Earth Cycle Community Garden opens at Aldingbourne Country Centre

New accessible garden offers a welcoming space for learning, wellbeing and hands-on horticulture

Earth Cycle’s new Community Garden at Aldingbourne Country Centre in West Sussex is now open, creating an inspiring and inclusive outdoor space for visitors, school groups, Aldingbourne Trust staff and the people the charity supports.

The garden was officially opened by John Pitts, owner of The Woodhorn Group, together with members of Aldingbourne Trust. The launch brought together garden designer Lynne Lambourne, Earth Cycle Commercial Director Mike Jupp, members of Aldingbourne Trust and the Woodhorn Group teams, and the contractors who helped turn the plans into reality. 

The completed garden was warmly received by guests, who were able to explore the planting, growing spaces and accessible features that make up the 685 square metre site. 

Designed by sustainable garden designer and Earth Cycle ambassador Lynne Lambourne, the garden combines seasonal planting, fruit and vegetable plots and wildflower areas with accessible paths, raised beds, seating and space for an outdoor classroom.

Every part of the garden has been designed to encourage participation. It gives visitors the chance to connect with nature in a peaceful outdoor environment, while the dedicated allotment area will enable the Aldingbourne Trust team to develop gardening skills and grow fruit and vegetables.

The project was created using Earth Cycle’s sustainable range of peat-free garden materials. It also reflects a genuine collaborative effort: Aldingbourne Trust’s workshop team created the raised beds, its horticulture team grew vegetables, herbs and salad from seed, and specialist contractors helped deliver the finished space.

Mike Jupp, Commercial Director at Earth Cycle and The Woodhorn Group, said: “We’re very proud of this project, having worked extremely closely with the team at Aldingbourne Trustto bring this space to life. When we first began groundworks in May we couldn’t have imagined how incredible the garden would look in just a few short months. The summer heatwaves worked hard to derail our early planting, so it’s fantastic to see the plants, vegetables and flowers looking so impressive. We’re looking forward to seeing all the garden can offer to everyone who works at Aldingbourne Trust, and the Centre’s thousands of visitors.” 

Lynne Lambourne, garden designer and Earth Cycle ambassador, added: “I’m so delighted to see this incredible garden open to the public. It’s been a pleasure to be part of this wonderful project and see this empty plot transformed into a community space which is now growing food and friendships.”

Chris Davis, Commercial and Operations Manager at Aldingbourne Trust, concluded: “We believe in creating opportunities for people to thrive, and our new Community Garden perfectly embodies that vision. It will provide meaningful activities for the people we support with learning disabilities and autism, inspire outdoor learning experiences for local schools, and offer a beautiful, accessible space for visitors to enjoy. We’re excited to see this garden become a place where people can build skills, friendships and confidence, while developing a deeper connection with nature and the environment.”
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The Community Garden is now open to members of the public visiting AldingbourneCountry Centre.