The Ramsgate Sea Garden is a reawakening of an earthworks and ecologically conscious garden created in 2007.
In September 2021, a small group of interested locals and garden creator, Ruth Cutler, kindled renewed interest and energy in the project. We are rejuvenating and nurturing the possibilities of this reflective, sensitive site and the surrounding area. Plans include:
- repairing and improving the area adjacent to the gardens.
- maintaining and developing the garden’s unique native flora and fauna.
- creating more accessible pathways onto the site.
Fundraising is underway to provide innovative projects, and replenish facilities including new seating, public information boards and waste facilities.
During March and April of this year, we will be working to restore the Sea Garden’s earthwork spiral and some of the original plantings. The spiral, created from local materials, is the garden’s visual focus. Years of brambles and neglect have made recovering the Sea Garden a daunting challenge! However, thanks to our volunteers, Ramsgate Sea Garden is emerging with renewed vitality and promise. We are in the process of site excavation and revealing the original landscaping. While wrestling brambles, we have found wild violets, artichokes, and sea thistles. In addition to the Sea Garden’s plant life, we have a range of visitors, both human and feathered, such as Pied Wagtails, Fulmars and Gulls, to name but a few.
Excitingly, we are also creating a tribute for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Using indigenous materials, the prescribed silver, purples and white tones will be used to create a path, and planting will enhance the garden and provide a place to reflect and celebrate the Jubilee.
The future for this exceptional setting is limitless, however, realisation of our ideas is dependent on the support and generosity of our volunteers and the community. We have accomplished a great deal since our group’s formation in late September 2021. Our members have grown to double figures, we have written a constitution, established banking facilities and started using social media for sharing information and communication. But our most rewarding activity is watching this derelict, untended garden be nurtured through our weekly on-site gardening activities.
In the broader perspective, we hope the Sea Garden will be a continuum. We aim to encourage local involvement, raise awareness and provide a site which respects and employs indigenous materials, whilst establishing a good working relationship with authorities and sympathetic organisations to gain support for our projects and the facilities, for benefit of the garden, our community, and visitors to Ramsgate.
Finding the garden is simple. It is most visible from the clifftop promenade above the Eastern Undercliff along from the Granville Theatre. It is an idyllic corner which encourages quiet reflection and acknowledgement of our precious and distinct environment.
Further information on how you can support or volunteer at the Sea Garden please contact us:
- Via our Facebook page: Ramsgate Sea Garden Group
- Or Email us: ramsgateseagarden@gmail.com
- You can also speak to a volunteer any Thursday morning. We are normally at the garden, between 9am and 11am (weather permitting)
- Please pop by and say hello and see the progress of the Sea Garden site on the Eastern Undercliff.