Cathedral Green Spaces and Garden Project Awarded UKSPF Funding

We are delighted to share that the Cathedral Green Spaces and Garden Project has been awarded UKSPF Year 4 funding to support the next stage of the Rochester Cathedral Gardens and Green Spaces initiative. This important project aims to open up access to the “secret gardens” surrounding the Cathedral, creating peaceful spaces for the community to enjoy and supporting both mental and physical wellbeing.

A section of garden, once part of the Cathedral grounds but incorporated into a neighbouring domestic garden for several decades, has now been returned to Cathedral use. The original gateway through the mediaeval city wall was infilled during the early 1800s to separate the area from the wider Kings Orchard. Thanks to the new funding, this historic gateway will be reopened, reconnecting the space with the rest of the gardens.

The area beyond the wall was once used by monks to grow food for those living at the Cathedral. Restoring this growing space will provide local community groups with access to a valuable, yet largely hidden, green retreat in the heart of the town. This next stage of the project will help preserve Rochester’s heritage while creating opportunities for wellbeing, reflection and community engagement.