Community Benefits Team Visits St Mary’s Gardens

Two members of the Community Benefits Team recently visited St Mary’s Gardens in Old Church Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, to meet with volunteers from the Friends of St Mary’s Gardens and learn more about the ongoing restoration of this important community space. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the group's achievements, current challenges, and potential areas of future support, including the possible replacement or refurbishment of the gate at the rear of the former graveyard to improve access, security, and the overall appearance of the site.

St Mary’s Gardens occupies the historic site of the original St Mary’s Church and graveyard, which served the local community for more than 500 years. After the church was replaced in 1885 and demolished in 1904, the site fell into a prolonged period of neglect and became increasingly overgrown. Following Cardiff Council’s takeover in 1972, the area was transformed into a public garden, carefully retaining key heritage features such as aligned gravestones and mature trees. Officially opened in 1974, the gardens later received recognition through a Wales in Bloom award. However, in the decades that followed, reduced maintenance led to a decline in the condition of the site, accompanied by anti-social behaviour and a decrease in community use.

In response, local residents took action in 2017 to help restore and revitalise the gardens. Initially led by members of the Whitchurch Women’s Institute and working in partnership with Cardiff Council’s Parks Department, their efforts resulted in the formal establishment of the Friends of St Mary’s Gardens in 2019.

Today, the volunteer-led organisation coordinates around 20 regular volunteers and plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the half-acre site. The group raises awareness and funding, supports ongoing maintenance activities, and works to enhance both the historical significance and biodiversity of the gardens, ensuring they remain a valued community asset.

A recent £1,000 Thrive Grant has further strengthened these efforts by funding secure storage and essential gardening equipment. This investment has enabled authorised volunteers to undertake maintenance activities between organised work sessions, helping to sustain progress and increase community ownership of the space.

Through the dedication of its volunteers and the support of local partners, the Friends of St Mary’s Gardens have successfully transformed the site into a safe, welcoming, and thriving green space. Their work continues to balance the preservation of the gardens’ rich heritage with the needs of the local community, creating benefits for residents, visitors, and wildlife alike.