Thames Water are working towards being complete during October 2025 and they will be holding a public drop in on Thursday 4 September.
The Friends of Friendly Gardens are working with Lewisham Council to make the park better for everyone, having been identified that the park is in the top 20 worst parks across London.
Therefore, during 2024, the park upgrade design, plan and consultation which was funded and delivered 100% by The Friends of Friendly Gardens was submitted to Lewisham Council to expedite the improvements needed.
What’s Happening Borough-Wide
Lewisham has been awarded £840,000 through the Nature Towns and Cities fund. This will support projects that boost biodiversity, tackle climate change, and improve access to green spaces across the borough. Friendly Gardens will be part of this work, which launches this autumn and runs until 2028.
Progress So Far at Friendly Gardens
- Plans in motion for new tree planting, meadow area and nature pond.
- A rain garden with seating shall replace the existing pool area and is under review.
- Looking at new pathways and native hedging to make the park more welcoming.
- Ongoing funding applications from major companies, and other sources being progressed to make this become a reality.
How the Park is Managed
Everyday maintenance, like grass cutting, repairs, and keeping the park clean is handled by Glendale.
We know progress can sometimes feel slow, but we have been assured by the Council that Friendly Gardens is part of a much bigger programme of green space improvements across Lewisham.
The Friends of Friendly Gardens are committed to seeing these improvement plans through, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
Get Involved
The Friends of Friendly Gardens are always looking for volunteers and fresh ideas. Whether you can help with planting, planning an event, fundraising, providing feedback on the condition of the park, or simply want to share your views, your input can make a real difference.
Email chair@st-johns-soc.org.
