Volunteers make light work of sleeper installation at Kew Gardens Station
On a fabulous early spring day in March, a group of Kew Society gardening volunteers organised by Dr Sarah Clarke, our Environment lead, set to work to repair a section of the Mediterranean Garden on the westbound platform at Kew Gardens station. They proved that many hands do make light work – even if wooden sleepers are extremely heavy. In fact, without the strength of volunteers from Energy Garden and Goodgym Richmond, we would probably have needed to bring in a crane!
Bringing in the sleepers
The group removed damaged wooden edging, prepared the ground and installed 3 reclaimed wooden railway sleepers at the top of the embankment. The work is designed to help stop soil erosion on the slope, provide a better structure for planting in this area and improve the view of the garden from street level.
Preparing the slope
Positioning the sleepers
This work was part of the garden maintenance program that the Kew Society has been running at the station for the past 8 years, most recently under the direction of our Head Gardener, Anna Anderson. The reinstatement work on the slope was ably guided by our partner in this project, Callum Clancy, Community Engagement Officer from Energy Garden who arranged all the necessary permissions, planned the work and brought along equipment.
Taking a break from the digging!
The team was extremely grateful to station staff who help in the smooth running of the project by willingly opening and closing gates no matter how many times they were asked!
Why not have a look at the results of the volunteer’s hard work the next time you’re on North Road? You’ll get the best view through the green metal fence and by the end of March there should be a fabulous floral display.
Sleepers installed at the top of the embankment
Find out more about become a Gardening Volunteer here. The friendly team is always looking for new helpers at the station and at other green spaces around Kew that the group maintains. If you love gardening, it’s a great way to meet new people and help to beautify our village.
