Transforming Ore Station into a community garden
1 April 2026
At Ore Station near Hastings, Sussex, a community-led group has transformed a neglected, overgrown area into a greener, more welcoming space for everyone.
From derelict land to community hub
Ore Station serves one of the most deprived areas of Hastings, where some 38% of local children live in poverty. There was no nearby green space and few opportunities for people to learn gardening skills or connect with nature. But thanks to the passion and commitment of local volunteers, what started as a derelict patch of land has become a vibrant community garden, children’s play area and a hub for local activity.
Funding from the High Weald Nature and Community Fund has allowed the team to install raised beds and notice boards, purchase supplies, and run community open days, ‘how to grow’ workshops and nature-focused school sessions. These activities have helped people learn to grow food, build skills and connect with nature.
The new garden has strengthened social connections while supporting biodiversity and creating opportunities for people to get involved in gardening. It is also a popular community hub, used by around 800 daily train passengers, as well as college and school students and local residents.
“I finally feel I have somewhere to go”
The transformation began with a major community effort to clear the site, which had been used for fly tipping and was heavily overgrown. Volunteers removed large amounts of waste and carefully restored the area by hand to protect existing biodiversity. This work laid the foundations for new pathways, planting schemes and dedicated spaces for children and community use.
Today, the garden is a lively and inclusive space. Regular volunteering sessions, open days and events have helped build a strong sense of ownership and pride. One local resident said: “There was no community here. I was seriously considering leaving the area because I felt so isolated. Now, I finally feel I have somewhere to go, something to be part of, and a real sense of belonging.”
“It was a dump before. Friends of Ore Station have made such a huge difference. Having regular activities for local children has brought life and joy back to the area. We love living here now.”
Celebration and recognition
More than 200 people attended a Celebration Day, held in partnership with the Sussex Community Rail Partnership to thank everyone who contributed to the transformation of the Ore Station community garden including corporate partners, local community members, rail users and dedicated volunteers.
Since its official opening in May 2025, the garden has been widely featured in local media and has recently been awarded “Outstanding” – the highest accolade – in the South East in Bloom: It’s Your Neighbourhood category, and is shortlisted for the 2026 Community Rail Awards.
The community’s work at Ore Station has been praised by by local leaders. The Mayor of Hastings described the project as: “Exactly the sort of scheme that we should be championing… creating spaces where people can come together… absolutely fantastic.”
From a neglected and unsafe space to a thriving community hub, Ore Station is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local people come together with a shared vision—creating a place that is greener, safer and full of life.
