100 Years of Ashburton Park

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100 Years of Ashburton Park

Photograph of Ashburton Park pond 1938

Preserving nature and heritage

This project aims to preserve the unique heritage and biodiversity of Ashburton Park as it approaches its centenary milestone.

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we have received over £1.5 million in grants to transform Ashburton Park. 

The project started in August 2025, the time when the park turned 100 years old, and will continue over the next 3 years.

We will create:

  • a wetland where the old boating lake used to be
  • a community garden near the car park entrance
  • a new bandstand to replace the existing tea kiosk
  • improvements to lighting, railings, benches, paths and signage
  • biodiversity planting and works to create a historic core 

Engaging the community

A woman taking a photo of a group of adults and children

Photo by Glenn Foster

Culture and heritage

Over the life of the project, you will see: 

  • a community archaeology project collaborating with the Museum of Croydon
  • Ashburton Parks Centenary event (August and September 2025)
  • ‘Centenary of Music’ festival in the new bandstand (2027)
  • women and girls event incorporating the celebration of the right to vote (2028)
  • volunteer heritage research project - ‘the untold stories of Ashburton Park’ 

Connecting and protecting nature 

Activities will include:

  • nature themed activities for families and children and young people with SEND
  • creative nature sessions, such as litter collected from the park to create art
  • themed volunteer days, such as wildlife surveys, wildflower meadow planting, litter picks
  • supporting the Friends of Ashburton Park’s gardening club

Find out how you can volunteer and keep up to date on the project.
 

Enhancing the safety and security of the park

We will have:

  • a youth engagement programme led by Oasis Community hub to include School Programme, Advisory Panel and Food growing Enterprise  
  • The Sisterhood Programme - a women and girls only programme which addresses safe spaces and untold stories of women in the local area
  • a care experience partnership with the council’s social care department for care experienced children and young people

Our partnerships

This project is made possible through our collaboration with:

 

National Lottery Heritage Fund
Friends of Ashburton Park
Oasis Charitable Trust