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Greening spaces for local communities, with a focus on the environment and education.
The Secret Garden Project is a Newbury volunteer group whose aim is to improve the local environment, rejuvenate existing green areas that have fallen into disuse or could be of benefit to the wider community if repurposed. We have several projects on the go in Newbury and are always keen to hear of new ideas and ways we can make Newbury an even better place to live, work and visit. However, we are not just about creating beautiful spaces, as Newbury has plenty of lovely gardens and parks, we believe that our green spaces should provide a balance between environment and community, that local spaces can support the wellbeing of those who visit and volunteer, bringing people together with a focus on anti-loneliness and environmental education.
It all started in 2018 when we were asked by the Canal and River Trust to come up with an approach to rejuvenate the Globe Garden. We invited our local community to visit, look around the garden and see if they wanted to join help bring it back to life. We had an excellent turnout and so the Secret Garden Project came to life. We now have over 60 members, and we usually have ten plus people at each volunteer session - pitching in, learning new skills, and meeting new friends.
Newbury Lock – Adopted in 2018
A beautiful walled ‘secret garden’ and the resting place of John Gould MBE. The garden is by the canal, close to the heart of town, and is accessed over the lock and through beautiful iron gates (commissioned by the Gould family). The garden is hidden away behind a tall Victorian brick wall and is a magical place full of beautiful planting and spaces to explore.
Newbury Lock – Adopted 2022
The land on the North side of Newbury Lock, known as Lock Island, is used by locals as somewhere to relax and being so close to town is especially busy in the summer. We have cleared some of the overgrown spaces, opening up the area to make it safer and more inviting to the wider community. With the help of local business volunteers we have had lighting added to the covered walkway, started to plant a community orchard, added disabled access picnic benches, and raised educational planters, which can be adopted by local support or charity groups.
Parsons Close – Adopted in 2020
A space for local people to relax, play, catch up, enjoy the planting and watch the bees. The garden contains a series of raised beds which had fallen into disrepair. We repaired the beds with local oak sleepers, removed the tall fencing, added planting for wildlife and residents, along with two apple trees, and a couple of new raised beds for vegetables. The area, once overgrown, full of rubbish and the scene of antisocial behaviour, is now a vibrant urban oasis, full of colour and interest for the community to enjoy.
©The Secret Garden Project 2026