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Rayleigh Garden

13 September 2021

150 people attended the Rayleigh station garden over the two days it was open!

The Rayleigh Community Garden is coming along a storm.  In just 4 months from when the site was first cleared and rotavated to now the site has been transformed from a derelict plot to one featured in Rayleigh Trinity Church open garden event August 2021.

Whilst there is still a long way to go – the group are incredibly proud of their achievements and progressing towards their vision for the garden which will include:

  • benches used to create distinct seating areas for the community to come sit, enjoy and relax in the garden.
  • The entrance will be kept open at all times welcoming people in whilst protected by safety bollards
  • The site will be resurfaced to create solid level walk ways through the garden.
  • All planting so far has been donated by the local community – which is amazing.
  • Drought resistant, low maintenance, wildlife friendly planting will feature as additional stock is purchased.
  • The local cub group are offering to build a bug hotel
  • Rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation will be installed on site.
  • We are hoping to offer A0 wall display cases offered to local artists to display their works

To date – All plants in the garden have been donated by local residents and local businesses.  We are so amazed and grateful at how supportive and generous everyone has been.

Local businesses who have provided plants included –

  • Marks and Spencer
  • P Smiths garden centre at the back of Rayleigh lanes
  • Russells fruit and Veg at Grange parade
  • Station Grill for ongoing support and cups of tea for the volunteers

The land is part of Rayleigh Station and therefore is owned by Greater Anglia.  GA have gave FoRS permission to take over the plot.  A successful bid to Community Rail Network and match funded by Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Network has raised £10,000 for the paved area of the garden.   Rayleigh Town Council gave £850 towards the project.

The current stage is to raise funds to purchase benches so people can sit down.  A community giving page has been set up.  If anyone would like to make a donation to help complete the project please visit –

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rayleighcommunitygarden

New volunteers welcome –

Pop along for regular volunteering sessions (weather dependant)  on a Tuesday 10.30am to lunch time.    There are always plenty of jobs to do as well as the ongoing weeding and watering.  If you have a trowel – feel free to bring it along but we always find a job for you no matter what.

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