100 Years of Ashburton Park

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100 Years of Ashburton Park

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, Croydon Council have received over £1.5 million pound grant 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 
Photograph of Ashburton Park pond 1938

Engaging the community

Culture and heritage

Over the life of the project, you will see: 

  • a community archaeology project with the Museum of Croydon young archaeology group
  • 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 
     

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

Be part of the transformation

Volunteer

Young woman looking at a map

We are always on the lookout for volunteers. If you think you might be able to contribute your skills, help with an activity or support us in keeping the park clean, safe and litter free, we would love to hear from you. Register to volunteer or receive updates.

Come to an event

Find out about our community events. Email parks@croydon.gov.uk to get regular updates on our events and how to take part.

This project is made possible through our collaboration with:

 

National Lottery Heritage Fund
Friends of Ashburton Park
Oasis Charitable Trust