Growing Together: A Day of Partnership at Ashburton Park 🌱

There’s something powerful about seeing a community come together—not just in conversation, but in action.

This week at Ashburton Park, we had one of those moments.

Teams from InfraRed Capital Partners, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), Oasis, and Croydon Council came together for a hands-on day of building, digging, and creating. Side by side, with spades in hand and plenty of energy, we worked together to construct six new raised beds as part of our growing food project.

It was more than just a practical task. It was a picture of what partnership can look like at its best.

More Than Just Raised Beds

These new beds are a key part of our wider vision to develop a community-led food growing space in Ashburton Park.

In the months ahead, they will become places where:

• Local residents can grow fresh, healthy food

• Young people can learn new skills and connect with nature

• Families can spend time together outdoors

• The community can build stronger relationships through shared activity

This is about much more than gardening. It’s about wellbeing, belonging, and creating opportunities for people to connect—with the land and with each other.

Powered by Partnership

Days like this don’t happen by accident.

They are made possible through strong partnerships, shared vision, and a willingness to roll up sleeves and get stuck in. It was incredible to see professionals from different sectors working together so seamlessly, united by a common purpose: investing in the future of this community.

We are especially grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, whose support has made this project possible. Their investment is helping us not only celebrate the heritage of Ashburton Park, but also shape its future as a vibrant, inclusive space for everyone.

A Foundation for What’s to Come

While six raised beds might seem like a small step, they represent something much bigger.

They are a foundation.

A foundation for a growing project that will continue to develop over time.

A foundation for deeper community engagement.

A foundation for a greener, healthier Ashburton Park.

And perhaps most importantly, they are a reminder that when people come together with a shared vision, real change happens.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning.

Over the coming months, we’re excited to see these spaces come to life planted, cared for, and enjoyed by the community. We’ll be inviting local residents, schools, and families to get involved, learn new skills, and take ownership of this growing project.

Because at the heart of everything we do is a simple belief:

Communities grow stronger when people grow together.