The idea
We’ve got big plans here at Sayes Court and we’d love you to get involved! A park once three times the size, Sayes Court will soon reclaim this lost land and leap the fence into the Convoys Wharf development. Before that happens, Sayes Court Park will be the community-led testing ground where we imagine and plan what that future will look like. Together we'll transform this neglected park into a source of pride for Deptford and a destination for London.
This legacy is an invitation to test, grow and transform a part of the city, making better places to live. Through collaborative workshops, events and a reinstated pavilion, Sayes Court will become a centre for the community once again.
We have in principle support from Lewisham Council for our project but still need to secure formal permission that we can deliver our project in Sayes Court Park. In the unlikely event we are not able to secure permission, no money will be taken from backers.
What we'll deliver
- A temporary mobile structure to use as a centre for the community and outdoor classroom
- A series of conversations & lectures in the park to spread awareness about the site
- Launch Sayes Court Garden Lab, a series of citizen science workshops to discover aspects of the site's environment
- Engage local residents, schools, businesses and community groups through outreach and consultation
- New planting in the park for food growing, to increase biodiversity and a nursery for future planting on site
- Secure site permissions and further funding to move onto the Convoys Wharf development site in phase 2.
Why it's a great idea
Landscape plays an increasingly vital role in our growing cities, yet it’s under more pressure than ever before.
This is a garden for everyone. Here at Sayes Court we have a test bed, a breathing space where we can investigate new ways to connect with our environment and each other. Ways to generate new economies from the land, using citizen science to empower communities and getting young people excited about engaging with their environment and believing in their power to change it.
Twice lost and now twice saved, this is the chance for Sayes Court and Deptford to be at the forefront of discovery once again, where together we can grow an authentic vision for creating the city we want to live in.
This is a partnership project between two existing local community groups, Sayes Court Garden CIC and Assembly SE8 - the team behind Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden. It will be a place where Deptford's strong community links can grow and flourish, and where new friendships will be nurtured.
Steps to get it done
- Programme of outreach and engagement events with local schools, community groups and the public
- Design and deliver new infrastructure and planting for park to support the programme
- Coordinate series of speakers to explore the history of the park and its future
- Seek further funds and explore potential for Phase 2: moving onto the development site to begin interim garden programme
John Evelyn first created a garden here in 1653, pioneering ideas which changed the way we think about landscape in the city. Using trees to improve health and wellbeing in urban landscapes, Sayes Court also inspired the foundation of the National Trust to protect our open spaces for everyone, forever.
