Kate's Garden Fund
Kate’s Garden Fund was set up in May 2024 in memory of Kate Jury who did so much for the development of Barracks Lane Garden, The NaturEscape Florence Park and many other community greenspace projects near her home in East Oxford.
Kate died suddenly in 2023 and we want to build on her enthusiasm, inspiration and her legacy.
The NaturEscape in Florence Park has been renamed Kate’s Place in her honour and continues to grow and develop with generous donations from friends and family. The new Kate’s Garden Fund will enable friends to donate regular amounts to ensure the stewardship, care and sustainability of Kate’s Place. The fund will also be able to receive gift aid from taxpaying donors and create capacity for fundraising through trusts and foundations or grants.
There is increasing evidence of the benefits of Green Social Prescribing for wellbeing (and for savings to the NHS). The fund will enable socially prescribed activities at Barracks Lane Community Garden and other community locations to grow. We know that individual and community wellbeing is supported through being outdoors in so many ways.
Thanks to the support of Kate’s Garden fund we are running regular community days at Kate’s Place, bringing people together to care for the site, enjoy nature, and connect with others.
Activities focus on either practical upkeep—like scything, hedge trimming, and meadow care or family-friendly activities such as open-fire cooking, pond dipping, bird feeder making, and nature art.
The days have been hugely popular, attracting families, individuals, and new visitors alike. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many valuing the chance to take part in something local, hands-on, and community-driven.
We’re especially grateful to our session leaders for their creativity and to GoodGym for supporting with heavier tasks. Please see image for a list of forthcoming community dates!
Flo’s Nursery Continues to use the space for their daily sessions- offering the children space to connect with nature and forest school activities.