History of our community project
2015 - the Project launches
In 2016, Rob Leitch, then a local councillor, started to leaflet households close to the Sidcup Walled Garden seeking volunteers who were keen to restore the garden to its former state following years of neglect. After an initial meeting in St. John's Church, the first work sessions were arranged and volunteers started to clear the beds and prepare the garden for a new lease of life. In the early stages of the project, significant fundraising efforts were undertaken with a mixture of local Sidcup businesses and individuals sponsoring the project.
2016 - The Committee is formed
With the endeavour gathering pace a committee was formed out of the initial volunteers, chaired by Roger Harris, and very quickly afterwards the project successfully secured a significant grant from the Tesco 'Bags of Help' scheme which accelerated the initial replanting and purchase of a new circular bench in the middle of the walled garden.
2017 - London in Bloom
In 2017 we first entered London in Bloom's 'It's your neighbourhood' category and were awarded the 'Thriving' designation - the second highest grading possible. We have entered the same category every year since, being graded 'Outstanding' each time!
2019 - Ruxley in Bloom and Kent Life Magazine
In 2019 we first entered 'Ruxley in Bloom' and were awarded Second Gold in the Best Community Garden category. In the same year, we we won 'Community Garden of the Year' from Kent Life Magazine.
2021 - First Gold!
2022 - Green Flag Award
Throughout the global pandemic, our community garden provided local residents with a safe place of tranquillity, optimism and hope.
We were awarded 'First Gold' in the Best Community Garden of the Year award through 'Ruxley in Bloom' before being awarded 'Gold' in 2022.
2022 - Green Flag Award
2022 - Green Flag Award
In 2022, the project secured a prestigious Green Flag Award, the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
In addition the garden also received the 2022 Service Recognition Award from the Rotary Club of Sidcup.
2023 - The Prime Minister visits!
2023 - The Prime Minister visits!
2023 - The Prime Minister visits!
As well as retaining our Green Flag Awarded in 2023, we were also awarded Third Place for Garden Display in a Public Space in the All London Championship!
In addition, we were delighted to welcome the UK Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP to the Sidcup Place Community Garden, alongside our local MP, Louie French, to celebrate our team of volunteers and their remarkable efforts since the project launched in 2015.
2024 - Green Flag Award Retained
2023 - The Prime Minister visits!
2023 - The Prime Minister visits!
2024 has provided further encouragement for everyone connected to the garden with the retention of our Green Flag Award!
The judge's report highlighted the 'vibrant and colourful display of plants and flowers' and that the volunteers have provided a 'delightful space for the users to enjoy'.
In addition, in October we won first place in the London Gardens Society's 'Best Community Garden Category' just a couple of weeks after winning Gold in 'Ruxley in Bloom' 2024! Another stellar year!
2025 - Our tenth anniversary
2023 - The Prime Minister visits!
2025 - Our tenth anniversary
In June 2025, we celebrated our tenth anniversary! It was wonderful to see so many of our volunteers, sponsors, local partners and residents come together to mark such a remarkable milestone.
Once again, we enjoyed recognition across several judging contests in 2025 - a testament to the continued hard work and dedication of our wonderful volunteers.
Awards included the retention of our Green Flag, Gold awards in London in Bloom community categories, Silver Gilt at Ruxley in Bloom and Bronze from the London Garden Society.
Become a SCGP Supporter
To sustain our community garden, become an official supporter by donating £3.00 per month!