From classroom to care home, employee volunteers from the Church Commissioners for England helped care for two green spaces benefiting local residents across generations. Across two community spaces, 25 employee volunteers came together with a shared goal: to create outdoor spaces where people can connect, learn and enjoy nature.
On Wednesday 29 April 2026, volunteers from the Church Commissioners for England’s investment team, whose property portfolio includes the Hyde Park Estate to the west of Edgware Road, spent a sunny morning helping these outdoor spaces thrive.
The outdoor classroom allows pupils to connect with nature.
In Little Venice, volunteers worked alongside our local community partner, Plant Environment, to improve an outdoor classroom used by primary school pupils. Plant Environment is a local not-for-profit organisation that creates and delivers environmental education projects to help young people connect with nature.
Pupils from nearby Edward Wilson School use the space at Blomfield Road Garden as an outdoor classroom, where they learn about biodiversity through practical activities. The school adopted the plot from the Canal & River Trust to help pupils, many of whom live in nearby tower blocks, engage with the natural environment.
A team of 13 volunteers helped prepare the outdoor classroom for the next group of pupils by pruning branches, weeding and tending planter boxes. Volunteers also gave the planter boxes and shed a fresh coat of paint.
Volunteers tending planter boxes.
A fresh new look!
Meanwhile, at Penfold Age Well Centre, located within Penfold Court care home in Church Street, a further team of 12 volunteers helped maintain the large outdoor garden.
Previously known as Penfold Community Hub, the centre has expanded its services for local older people following a new Council contract. The centre welcomes anyone over the age of 50 to take part in physical and emotional wellbeing activities. Its weekly programme includes activities such as Zumba classes, a dementia choir and a gardening club, helping to reduce social isolation, encourage activity and improve wellbeing. Access to a well-maintained garden for both residents and visitors is an important part of this offer.
Volunteers created two new planter boxes at the entrance to the garden, added colourful plants, weeded overgrown areas and even repaired greenhouse panels. Large sections of the garden were also cleared, creating space for future vegetable patches and a dedicated bee-friendly zone.
New planter boxes.
Volunteers getting stuck in.
Teamwork in action.
Thank you to the enthusiastic employee volunteer teams from the Church Commissioners for England who made this work possible.
The activity was arranged as part of our Community Programme which supports Marble Arch BID members to engage in the community. From environmental projects to skill-sharing to coffee mornings, there is something to suit every community engagement plan that creates memorable moments and sustainable impact.
The team at Blomfield Road Garden.
The team at Penfold Age Well Centre.