Local charity celebrating community garden renovation funded by National Lottery

Habitats & Heritage are celebrating after being awarded £2000 in National Lottery funding to host community-led activities this September, through the Mayor’s Community Weekend.

Habitats & Heritage, based in Richmond upon Thames, will use the funding to invite locals and celebrate the restoration of a promising community garden, which when fully completed, aims to benefit people, wildlife, and the environment.

The event on Saturday 13 September from 2 to 4pm will bring in people across the borough to 53 Grimwood Road, Twickenham to celebrate with cake and refreshments. Catering to everyone, there will be fun activities like face painting for children, a pop-up exhibition of market gardening in south west London, a tour of the site, nature conservation activities, and a chance for dialogue between the community and the organisation.

Once fully cared for and established, the garden will provide a space for a range of people to learn skills, benefit mentally and physically, and bond with others. Alongside that the space will serve to aid wildlife through beneficial gardening methods and by acting as a sustainability demonstration centre for workshops on climate positive approaches to water, waste, and energy.

Paul Jennings, CEO of Habitats & Heritage said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund and the Mayor of London has recognised our work in bringing communities together. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to welcome people to the start of a strong community and environment rooted project and celebrate over some tea and cake, while enjoying the company of the outdoors and each other. Please, do attend if you can!”

Find out more about the Mayor's Community Weekend 2025.