The Parish Church Garden Project – Fundraising Campaign
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St Marylebone Parish church launch
The Church Garden Fundraising Campaign
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St Marylebone Parish church is excited to launch The Church Garden Fundraising Campaign to restore the historic Church Garden—a cherished green space dating back to 1810.
We plan to transform this long-neglected garden opposite the old Conran store while honouring its rich Regency heritage.
Vision – Provide additional seating
The redesigned garden takes inspiration from the Regency ‘Shrubbery’, bringing new life and pleasure to the space while staying true to its historical roots.
This outdoor space will have a new look which we hope will:
- Offer a peaceful haven for quiet contemplation
- Provide additional seating, accessible paths, and year-round colour and interest
Why It Matters
The Church Garden is St Marylebone’s only permanently open green space. Once revitalised, it will:
Enhance the setting of the Grade I listed St Marylebone Parish Church
Provide new areas for concerts, exhibitions, and an outdoor classroom
Our Plan & Phased Transformation
The restoration will happen in three stages, beginning this Autumn to align with planting conditions. Each stage will enhance different areas of the garden:
Stage 1: Central Garden – Focal Point of the Garden
- 🌳 Protect and celebrate the magnificent 200-year-old Marylebone Plane
- 🪑 Install a new ellipse-shaped Regency-style bench
- 🌱 Add stumpery, bird boxes, and traditional shrubbery planting
Estimated cost: £325,000
Stage 2: Borders – Along the School, High Street, and Ferguson House
- 🌿 Enhance soft landscaping
- 🪑 Install curvilinear benches
- 🪵 Create a Discovery Zone with log seating
Estimated cost: £379,000
Stage 3: Wildlife Garden
- 🚪 Restore heritage railings and gate
- 🌳 Plant multi-stemmed trees and soft landscape features
- 🪑 Add a tree seat for rest and reflection
Estimated cost: £96,000
A Bench that Brings People Together
At the heart of the garden, a stunning curved Regency-style bench will surround the central wildlife shrubbery and Marylebone Plane. Made with larch slats and painted steel, it features back and armrests for comfort and accessibility.
- Adds 60 linear metres of seating for up to 120 people
We’re committed to reducing the church’s carbon footprint by planting resilient shrubs and flowers that:
- Provide a sanctuary for birds, insects, and pollinators
Support the Garden
Your support will:
- Help protect the rare Marylebone Elm
- Improve accessibility and quiet spaces
- Fund seating, planting, and education areas for schools and visitors
Donate Today
Your donation will help bring this historic urban oasis back to life—for everyone.
Help us grow a greener, more connected St Marylebone. Donate here
Read more about the project here
Contact The Rector
The Revd Canon Dr Stephen Evans
Rector of St Marylebone
Mail: St. Marylebone Parish Church
Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LT
Email: rector@stmarylebone.org
Tel.: +442079357315
Key Takeaways
- The Parish Church Garden Project – Fundraising Campaign aims to restore the historic Church Garden, enhancing St Marylebone’s only open green space.
- The garden will provide additional seating, accessible paths, and areas for community events and education.
- The restoration occurs in three stages, focusing on the central garden, borders, and a wildlife garden, with a total estimated cost of £800,000.
- Supporters can donate to help protect rare trees and improve accessibility for all visitors.
- The project encourages community involvement and aims to create a connected green space for everyone.
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