Our Park is a hidden gem in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. The town's oldest public park, it was originally designed by renowned Victorian landscape architect Robert Marnock in 1889. Since then, it has grown, developed and flourished to become a great place to relax, play and enjoy nature.

FoGH was set up in 2011. Our key focus is to enhance the quality of life for our community; raise awareness of ecology; and encourage the local community to take an interest in the conservation of the Park. Our work takes many forms, from family events, talks, walks and gardening, to ecological projects, such as rewilding the orchard.

Our Park has several access points. Use the postcode TN1 2HU to get to the entrance in Auckland Road. For the Hilbert Road entrance, near the Oast House, use TN2 3SF. All parking for the Park is on residential streets, there is no car park.

Click here to collapse the report.

Talking of volunteers, I would like to mention our local experts who support our walks and talks around the Park. They give up their time to lead many of our events, sharing their knowledge and helping us better understand the plants and wildlife in our Park. So, another big thank you to Ian Beavis (Moths, Bees, Butterflies etc), David Scully (Bats and Trees) and Martin Sutton (Pond Dipping), along with Keith Palmer who will lead our upcoming Fungal Foray in late October.

The RHS In Bloom judging took place on 2nd July. As a Friends Group, we support the TWBC Parks Team by joining them and the judge, as he tours the Park over a 2-hour period. We show how FoGH contributes to the Park through our horticultural work and our events, like Moth ID mornings, Pond Dipping, and Bat, Tree and Bee walks. We were very pleased to hear that the judge felt the Community Orchard was flourishing and that FoGH were managing it very well. We must be doing something right, as the apple trees this year are literally dripping with fruit! We are still waiting for the results and will let you know once we get them.

It's hard to believe but it's 10 years since the Heritage Lottery Funded work took place and what a difference it has made to the Park. Over time the various works have settled in and become part of the everyday life of the Park. The children's playground continues to delight the kids using it, the Community Orchard has grown beyond our expectations, and the Wetland area has flourished. It really shows that all the work put into the project has been worthwhile, as its legacy continues to benefit all those that use the Park.

Finally, the Committee have been working hard arranging our Autumn/Winter programme. We have lots of events lined up, so hopefully there is something there that will appeal to you. It takes a lot of work to plan and organise these events and we are always looking for people to help us out. If you would like support us by getting involved in any of the events, please let us know - it will be much appreciated.

To report an incident to Kent Police in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park

• Emergency: dial 999
• Non-emergency: dial 101

Other contacts

• Council Parks Department: 01892 554031

To hire The Hub please contact the council to check for availability and instructions by sending an email to parksteam [at] tunbridgewells.gov.uk or by phoning 01892 554031

• Friends of Grosvenor & Hilbert Park: chair [at] fogh.org.uk

Please note there is a defibrillator at the Hub, if needed phone 999 to get the access code and assistance when using it.

The are two ways you can get involved with the park.

Join the Friends

We are a volunteer-run group that relies on donations from events and membership fees. By signing up and joining the Friends you will help fund our work and put on community events in the park.

Follow the link and sign-up on line.

Volunteer

Alternatively or additionally you might like to volunteer to undertake tasks around the park. We regularly hold weeding and planting event and there's always litter picking.

Simply sign up to our volunteer newsletter and we will tell you when something suitable is planned.