About the project

Our shared journey

In collaboration with residents, Oasis Charitable Trust and Friends of Ashburton Park (FOAP), the project secured a first stage grant of £304,000 funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2023, showcasing the power of community partnership.

After a successful development stage, the project applied for a second stage grant in November 2024 and was awarded £1,593,762 funding in April 2025 for a 3-year project.

From Summer 2025 to the end of 2028, our heritage project manager, volunteer coordinator and an activity coordinator will lead on:

landscape improvements to the park
community engagement sessions
activities to promote the park's cultural heritage and biodiversity

Read about the park's development, historical importance, and its contribution to the local community's heritage.

Project progress

Capital works: Following the initial development phase, we are finalising designs for physical changes in the park and preparing documents for planning permission. This covers the creation of a new wetland, a community garden, improved landscaping, restored paths and railings, lighting and the construction of a new bandstand to replace the existing kiosk.

Volunteers: Our dedicated local history group will be launched in December 2025. Our park is now bedding down for winter, but planting is planned for January for the spring blooms.

Community engagement and events: We have been busy sharing information on the project at the Oasis Hub opening event and a local resources fair reaching over 100 local people in schools and community groups. We will be running school and family activities in the new year.

Watch this space for events in 2026

Community events:

Our archaeology project in the park which will take place in May 2026 to excavate the remaining foundations of the old Byculla House mansion
Wellbeing and history walks and talks throughout the year
South Asian Heritage Month celebrations in July 2026
“Food, Flower and Fruit show” in August 2026, restoring the legacy of the show run in the park until the 1950s
Activities to celebrate Black History Month, October 2026
Local history group
Themed Mass Participation days - Big Bird Watch in January 2026
Weekly volunteering opportunities, Jan 2026
Wildflower Planting - March 2026