Gardens and Green Spaces Project

April 4, 2023

The Cathedral Gardens Project is specially designed to enhance and improve the gardens and green spaces of the Cathedral Estate to deliver the overall mission of the Cathedral.

The strategic vision is utilising the historic green spaces and gardens of the Cathedral for Prayer, spiritual growth, mental health, and well-being. This rediscovery of the Cathedral’s ancient heritage in terms of gardens chimes with the present modern day need for quiet open spaces and the rising concern around mental health issues, social deprivation, social isolation, bereavement issues and management of long-term conditions.

The open spaces and garden areas of Rochester Cathedral and their enclosing buildings have been occupied since the 7th century and cover a considerable area and have importance as a ‘green lung’ in the heart of Rochester.

In the last few years there have already been significant developments in the Cathedral’s Open spaces which have led to increased public use and have delivered increased sustainability in a number of areas. These include:

Vinefields and King's Orchard

The planting of 100 vines by the Cathedral’s Head Gardener, assisted by Simpson Wine Estate, is recreating the medieval vineyard once within the area now known as King’s Orchard.

How green are the Gardens?

Extensive areas of wildflower meadows are enhancing the insect and biodiversity of King’s Orchard. In their duty to care and maintain the Gardens the Cathedral Gardeners employ a range of conservation practices to keep the gardens a key part of the biodiversity of Rochester.

Garden volunteers

A very small talented team of volunteers work alongside our Head Gardener maintaining the beautiful grounds of the Cathedral Precinct. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with all our gardening tasks throughout the year as we develop an active programme of volunteering in the Gardens.

The celebration in 2019 of the bicentenary of the birth of Samuel Reynolds Hole, Dean of Rochester (1887-1904) and founder of the Rose Society.

The planting of Sakura Cherry Trees from the Japanese Government, in connection with the Sakura Project, to commemorate peace.

The creation of an apiary which is producing honey, and also wax which is being fashioned into candles to be sold in the Cathedral’s shop.

The creation of tours of the gardens led by the Cathedral’s Head Gardener.

Forging strong links with local schools such as Trinity School and Abbey Court School which has led to work experience being undertaken and sensory tours offered for Special Educational Needs (SEN) pupils.

The planting of new trees and the establishment of an extended fruit orchard.

Building on this record of recent achievement the Cathedral Gardens and Green Spaces Project aims to deliver more improvements which will enhance the gardens and generate more opportunities for public engagement and enjoyment. Within the overarching strategy for the Cathedral’s green spaces there are several projects which can be delivered:

A new rose garden located near the entrance to King’s Orchard commemorating the work of Dean Reynolds Hole, Dean of Rochester 1887-1904.

A new Mediterranean/Palm Garden established with plants requiring little or no water to address changing climate conditions and set in the enclosed ruins of the Cathedral’s Chapter House. The garden will be the focal point for bereavement work, counselling, and therapy work.

A community space for growing food to be created within King’s Orchard and developed as an educational partnership with the King School Rochester and which can be used for engagement with the local community.

New access arrangements to King’s Orchard which will preserve the tranquillity of the formal gardens and allow improved access for groups to the vineyard and meadows.

The creation of a sensory garden in the currently inaccessible area enclosed by a high brick wall at the eastern end of Kings Orchard with entry off the High Street.

The project will see the development of an active programme of community engagement which will see the Cathedral’s green spaces used for work with schools, community groups, volunteers, and veterans. These programmes will offer multiple work-streams offering opportunities for work on wellbeing and physical and mental health, skills creation and education, and climate change and environmental issues.

Dean Phillip Hesketh
with Estates Manager Sue Malthouse and Head Gardener Graham Huckstepp