St Mary’s Secret Garden ‘very likely’ to close permanently amid funding struggles, organisers reveal
People can take part in therapeutic gardening at St Mary’s. Photograph: St Mary’s Secret Garden
The organisers of St Mary’s Secret Garden say it is facing imminent closure in light of financial trouble.
The Hoxton-based horticultural charity revealed earlier this week that “it is very likely” it will cease operations after today (Friday 29 November).
In a newsletter, managers stated the decision was made “with heavy hearts” owing to “a very difficult financial position”.
“We will let you know if anything changes in the next few days,” they added.
The urban haven has been a much-loved space for the local community for nearly three decades, offering wellbeing support through therapeutic gardening and other activites.
Officially launched in 2006, St Mary’s has provided horticultural skills training to local people with learning disabilities, mental health illness and long-term health conditions.
In 2021, the charity launched an appeal for support, following funding uncertainty brought about by the pandemic.
Cllr Chris Kennedy, cabinet member for health, adult social care, voluntary sector and culture, said the Town Hall was “working down to the wire” to see if it can support the garden as it faces closure, but it may be unable to help save it at this stage.
“We know St Mary’s Secret Garden (SMSG) is a much-loved charity which benefits many local residents.
“We have supported the garden for over 25 years, leasing the land at a peppercorn rent of £1,000 per year, providing grant funding, and commissioning day placement opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
“We helped them secure £102,000 funding for their new Changing Places facility and their total grant funding from the council has been £47,917 since 2016/17.
“SMSG were in a similar situation in 2021/2022 and the council provided unrestricted core funding of £42,000.
“However, we were only told of this imminent closure on 12 November, 15 days before the proposed closing date of 29 November.
“We are working down to the wire on this to see if there is any way we can help, but given that we ourselves are facing significant financial challenges there may, sadly, be nothing more we can do.”
Hackney’s tranquil retreat was named after the lost gothic church of St Mary’s nearby, designed by John Nash and bombed-out during WWII.
The 0.7-acre garden boasts a woodland area, space to grow forest foods and soft fruits, and the Golden Company’s honey bees, which were handed over to the charity after the group disbanded in 2019.
We are so sad that this decision had to be made. Although, we had many funding streams & supporters the charity sector remains precarious. We continued to see our income reduced in 'real terms' and a continued rise in running costs such as insurances, repairs, resources and wages. So, the trustees had to make the terrible decision to close as was required according to charity and company law.
thanking staff, volunteers and all our garden beneficiaries over the years. Please do think of your local, small charities who do so much with so little funding, there is a London crash in funding and grants – times will get very tough for them.
This is absolutely heartbreaking news. St.Mary's Secret Garden has been a glowing community ‘good' in the area for decades. As is being increasingly recognised, it is precisely spaces like these that are at the forefront of positive social change, i.e. championing inclusion, platforming physical and mental health across all ages, encouraging community cohesion, and all while being a centre for vital plant and animal biodiversity. What the heck happened? I know that everything is more expensive now, but all the more reason to recognise how incredibly vulnerable these precious social and cultural assets actually are, and so not only support them, but actively protect them!