The Secret Walled Garden

/ Food Growing Highlight, Our Activties / By Trevor Lancefield

Would you like to volunteer to help renovate this ‘secret walled garden’ back to its former Victorian glory ?

The Lodge walled garden has been in cultivation since the 18th Century, but had been somewhat neglected in more recent years. We are bringing the garden back into productive use and creating a beautiful space for the community to enjoy. Why not join our team of enthusiastic volunteers? There are a range of tasks from light weeding, digging, potting, old wall restoration and other practical tasks.

Walled Garden task days, 10am - 2pm

Now that we have some established beds and paths, there are lightweight weeding tasks to keep areas maintained as well as the digging needed to clear new ground. So we have tasks to suit all. We could definitely do with a few more people to help push progress forwards!

Here are the currently planned 2026 dates:
January: Sunday 18th, Saturday 31st
February: Sunday 8th, Saturday 21st
March: Sunday 8th, Saturday 21st
April: Saturday 4th, Sunday 19th
May: Sunday 3rd, Saturday 16th, Sunday 31st
June: Sunday 7th, Saturday 20th
July: Sunday 5th, Saturday 18th,
August: Sunday 2nd, Saturday 15th
Sept: Sunday 6th, Saturday 19th
Oct: Sunday 4th, Saturday 17th
Nov: Sunday 1st, Saturday 21st

If you are new to the walled garden, please let us know you would like to come along by emailing food@ecolocal.org.uk

Our address is EcoLocal, Honeywood Walk, Carshalton, SM5 3NX and a map to our garden can be found here

We recommend you wear sturdy footwear, and dress appropriately for the weather. You must bring your own gloves and refreshments. Please note that the walled garden is not yet disability accessible (this is one of our aims) and our sessions are volunteer led. If you need support to take part in gardening activities you may find our community allotment is more suitable. If you have any enquiries about anything not covered here, then please e-mail food@ecolocal.org.uk or call 020 8404 1522.

We would also welcome groups who want to help as part of workplace 'corporate days'. Please enquire on the email and number above.

EcoLocal17 hours ago

If you are interested in growing organic fruit and vegetables and encouraging wildlife, why not come along to EcoLocal's Surrey Organic Gardening Group talks and meet ups?

Next meet - Friday 28th November: Gardens in Winter
Join us for a talk by Anna Ribo on how make your garden appealing in the darker time of the year. What plants put on a good show in winter, how to use bulbs to most effect, winter flowering shrubs colourful stems, seedheads, bark and climbers. Anna was previously head gardener at Long Barn, now works on garden restoration projects and frequently teaches workshops on planting for members of the Society of Garden Designers.

Meetings are 7.30pm (arrive from 7.15pm) at the Garden Hall, The Lodge, Honeywood Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NX. See https://www.ecolocal.org.uk/our-activities/surrey-organic-gardening-group/

Entrance fees
All the remaining meetings in 2025 are free for members of SOGG who paid membership fees earlier this year. Non-members are very welcome – only £3 on the door including tea, coffee and biscuits (cash or card). Please do invite your friends.

EcoLocal

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EcoLocal6 days ago

🌿 Design Your Own Kitchen Garden – Saturday 22nd November 2025, 10.30am –3.00 pm🌿

A friendly, creative workshop with EcoLocal at The Lodge, Carshalton

If you’ve ever dreamed of growing delicious herbs, fresh salads, or your own seasonal vegetables, this workshop is the perfect way to get started. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting your own produce—tastier, healthier, and often far better value than the supermarket aisles.

Join us for a relaxed, half-day organic kitchen garden workshop, specially designed to help you create a beautiful, productive plot you’ll love spending time in. Together we’ll explore:

✨ How to prepare your soil
✨ Ways to design a plot that suits your space
✨ Tips to maximise your crop yield
✨ Simple steps for ongoing care and maintenance

If you’d like personalised guidance, feel free to bring along a few photos or a sketch of your garden area. We’ll help you develop your own kitchen-garden design and share lots of practical, easy-to-follow ideas to make it a reality.

📍 Where: EcoLocal, The Lodge, Honeywood Walk, Carshalton SM5 3NX
In the peaceful grounds of Carshalton Ecology Centre, right by the ponds.

It promises to be a friendly, inspiring session—perfect for anyone who loves gardens, good food, and a touch of creativity. 🌸🥕

For more info and booking visit https://tinyurl.com/ecolocaltraining

EcoLocal

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EcoLocal2 weeks ago

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EcoLocal2 weeks ago

EcoLocal November News:- farmers market, winter plant sale, hall for hire, garden maintenance services, inclusive cycling, kitchen garden design, downlands volunteering, outdoor parent and toddler group https://mailchi.mp/ecolocal/ecolocal-news-4872187

EcoLocal

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Carshalton EcoFair

August Bank Holiday Monday, Carshalton Park, Ruskin Road, Carshalton, Surrey

Carshalton EcoFair

Carshalton EcoFair2 weeks ago

🍎 Pop down to Wallington’s Farmers Market this Saturday! Packed with fresh local produce, homemade goodies, and crafts — plus that friendly community feel that makes a proper Saturday morning out. 🥕🧀☕

Carshalton EcoFair

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Carshalton EcoFair

Carshalton EcoFair1 month ago

Farmers’ markets are good because they let you buy fresh, locally produced food, health products, and art directly from farmers and makers—supporting local enterprise, creativity, and traditional craftsmanship. Why not come along on Saturday !

Carshalton EcoFair

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Carshalton EcoFair

Carshalton EcoFair2 months ago

Why not join our four-week Flower Arranging Course, perfect if you’d like to try something creative in a friendly, welcoming setting.

Carshalton EcoFair

A Relaxing Autumn Treat in Carshalton – Flower Arranging Course

Looking for something uplifting to do this autumn? Why not join our four-week Flower Arranging Course, perfect if you’d like to try something creative in a friendly, welcoming setting.

Held at EcoLocal’s charming Garden Hall in Carshalton, each week you’ll explore a different style of arrangement—from timeless hand-tied bouquets to chic, modern displays. You’ll learn how to choose and prepare seasonal flowers and greenery, experiment with containers, and even discover eco-friendly ways to design without floral foam.

This is a gentle, informal course—absolutely no experience is needed. It’s all about taking a little time for yourself, meeting others, and enjoying the calming pleasure of working with flowers. Each week you’ll take home a beautiful arrangement to brighten up your home.

📅 Starts Wednesday 1st October
🕥 10.30am – 12.30pm
📍 Garden Hall, EcoLocal, Carshalton
Places are limited – so book early to secure your place

https://www.ecolocal.org.uk/uncategorized/flower-arranging-4-week-course-starting-wednesday-1st-october-2025/

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Carshalton EcoFair

Carshalton EcoFair2 months ago

Pick up the freshest local produce, delicious artisan food, unique crafts, and plants straight from growers and makers. It’s a brilliant way to support small businesses, shop sustainably, and enjoy the buzz.

Carshalton EcoFair

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Carshalton EcoFair

Carshalton EcoFair3 months ago

Cassette Crew on the mainstage at Carshalton Ecofair 2025

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Carshalton EcoFair

Carshalton EcoFair3 months ago

The Easyskanking Band on the mainstage at Carshalton Ecofair 2025

Carshalton EcoFair

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