Help Us Grow a Greener, More Connected St Marylebone for Everyone

We’re excited to launch the Central Church Garden Fundraising Campaign to restore and reimagine the historic St Marylebone Church Garden—a cherished green space dating back to 1810.

In partnership with award-winning landscape architects J & L Gibbons, we’re transforming this long-neglected garden into a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban sanctuary—while honouring its rich Regency heritage.

Our Vision

The redesigned garden takes inspiration from the Regency-era ‘Shrubbery’, bringing new life and pleasure to the space while staying true to its historical roots.

This reimagined outdoor space will:

• Offer a peaceful haven for quiet contemplation
• Improve community well-being
• Support biodiversity and sustainability
• Provide additional seating, accessible paths, and year-round colour and interest

Why It Matters

The central garden is St Marylebone’s only permanently open green space. Once revitalised, it will:

Enhance the setting of the Grade I listed St Marylebone Parish Church
Create a safe, beautiful space for rest, reflection, and learning
Support biodiversity, improve air quality, and celebrate seasonal change
Provide new areas for concerts, exhibitions, and an outdoor classroom

Our Plan & Phased Transformation

The restoration will happen in three stages, beginning in Autumn to align with optimal planting conditions. Each stage will enhance different areas of the garden:

Stage 1: Central Garden – Focal Point of the Garden

• 🌳 Protect and celebrate the magnificent 200-year-old Marylebone Plane Tree
• 🪑 Install a new ellipse-shaped Regency-style bench
• 🌱 Add biodiversity features: stumpery, bird boxes, and traditional shrubbery planting

Estimated cost: £276,000

Stage 2: Borders – Along the School, High Street, and Ferguson House

• 🌿 Enhance soft landscaping
• 🪑 Install linear benches
• 🪵 Create a Discovery Zone with log seating
• 🧱 Remove excess paving beneath plane trees

Estimated cost: £379,000

Stage 3: Wildlife Garden

• 🚪 Restore heritage railings and gate
• 🌳 Plant multi-stemmed trees and soft landscape features
• 🪑 Add a curved tree seat for rest and reflection

Estimated cost: £96,000

A Bench that Brings People Together

At the heart of the garden, a stunning curved Regency-style bench will surround the central wildlife shrubbery and Marylebone Plane. Made with larch slats and painted steel, it features back and armrests for comfort and accessibility.

• Adds 60 linear metres of seating for up to 120 people
• Welcoming, elegant design complements the garden’s heritage
• Protects planting while inviting community use

Greener Future, Healthier Community

We’re committed to reducing the church’s carbon footprint by planting resilient shrubs and flowers that:

• Thrive in the garden’s unique microclimate
• Provide a sanctuary for birds, insects, and pollinators
• Improve the air quality next to the busy A40

Support the Garden

Your support will:

• Help protect the rare Marylebone Elm
• Improve accessibility and quiet spaces
• Fund seating, planting, and education areas for schools and visitors

Donate Today

Your donation will help bring this historic urban oasis back to life—for everyone.
Help us grow a greener, more connected St Marylebone.