Once again, we’re raising a prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of SCT residents, students and volunteers, alongside SCT’s gardening tutor Leigh, who are all committed to ensuring the garden surrounding St Leonard’s Church remains an urban oasis in Shoreditch.

The garden is one of 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

People taking part in Gardening learn to sow seeds, grow vegetables and tend to plants throughout the seasons. It’s been described as ‘rehab for the mind’ and provides a wonderful way for people in recovery from addiction to come together and give back to the local community.

Louisa Snow, CEO, Spitalfields Crypt Trust said:

“This wonderful award is recognition of the dedication of everyone who is committed to maintaining the garden. It not only provides a space for biodiversity and for people to thrive, it also shows what can be achieved when people in recovery from addiction come together and are provided with opportunities to give back to the local community. Congratulations to everyone involved in the Gardening programme.”

Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in Spitalfields Crypt Trust Gardening sessions who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

“Quality parks and green spaces like St Leonard Garden make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Click here to find out more about joining the gardening group.