It was a chance for her to see, once again, first-hand the range of work that goes into keeping our green spaces cared for, and for us to share what we'd like to see improved over time. She left impressed, and with a list of things we'd love to see happen.
Teaming up
It was a full morning, with volunteers split into groups working on several jobs:
- weeding paths by the ornate lights entrance
- tending the Suffrage Sensory Garden - clearing bindweed and brambles, pruning and deadheading
- pruning trees - removing basal growth and raising the canopy where needed
- clearing overgrowth on the Churchfields Bank project - improving accessibility and preparing the ground for planting
Litter picking
The Medway Police Cadets, including the junior cadets, took on litter picking the foreshore, while other volunteers cleaned up the parks and surrounding roads. Between them, they came away with a great haul - among the more memorable finds was a distinctly creepy doll's head, plucked out of the river.
Mornings like this are exactly what our volunteer sessions are about - real, varied work, done together, suited to all ages and abilities.
A Long-Standing Supporter
Lauren's connection with FoRCE goes back well before she was elected. As a volunteer, she was with us on the ground, and since taking office she has remained a consistent advocate, continuing to give her time to our work. FoRCE works in an apolitical way - our relationship is with whoever holds the council seat and the constituency, regardless of party. What matters to us is having representatives who care about and invest in our green spaces, and who are willing to see that work up close.
Lauren has also offered to help connect FoRCE with grant-funding opportunities through her team's resources - exactly the kind of support that could make a real difference to future projects. She joins a wider group of partners - councillors, local organisations and businesses - who back what we do; you can read more about them on our partners page. Our thanks to Lauren for getting stuck in on the litter picking and gardening, and for her continued support.
Get Involved
Interested in helping fund projects like this?
- Become our Fundraiser and help find funding for FoRCE's projects
- Join one of our volunteer mornings or evenings
- Become a Friend or Member
Sensory Garden News
-
December Volunteer Session
The final volunteer session of the year was a great success as we focused on cutting back, pruning, and tidying the Sensory Garden beds to prepare them for the coming year.
-
Dedication of the Suffrage Sensory Garden
The efforts of our volunteers came to fruition on Saturday 20th July when the Suffrage Sensory Garden was officially dedicated, with special guests author Jennifer Godfrey, Lauren Edwards MP, and Deputy Mayor Cllr Douglas Hamandishe in attendance.