A new series of short films, created by Arundells volunteer Richard Marks, explores the remarkable story of the garden at Arundells, tracing more than 800 years of history and celebrating the creation of the Community Garden that continues to change lives today.
The three films are now available to watch on the Arundells Bloomberg Connects guide, where visitors can discover the history of the garden, learn how the Community Garden was developed, and hear first-hand from the volunteers, military veterans and community members who use the space today.
Watch the films on Bloomberg Connects
Alongside this blog, we are delighted to share a short trailer, kindly provided by Richard, offering a glimpse into the stories featured across the three-part series.
A Garden Through Time
The first film, A Garden Through Time, reveals how the gardens at Arundells have evolved over the centuries while remaining a place of cultivation, enjoyment and community.
From its origins as part of a medieval canonry in the 13th century, the garden served as a productive kitchen garden, supplying fruit and vegetables for the household. Over time it was transformed by successive owners, including the formal Georgian redesign undertaken by John Wyndham in the eighteenth century.
The film also explores the role of Sir Edward Heath, who made Arundells his home in 1985. Working alongside head gardener Stuart Craven, Heath helped shape much of the garden visitors enjoy today. While not a gardener himself, he deeply appreciated the beauty and tranquillity of the riverside setting and took great pride in its care and development.
The film concludes with the beginnings of a new chapter, the idea that an underused area of the garden could become something much more: a space that would support people, encourage connection and provide opportunities to learn new skills.
Creating a Community Garden
The second film focuses on the creation of the Community Garden itself.
In 2022, Arundells began transforming a neglected former potting area and greenhouse into a vibrant community space. Supported through the National Lottery Heritage Fund and developed in partnership with Alabaré’s Military Veterans Boots on the Ground programme, the project brought together veterans, volunteers and community garden specialist Rebecca Twigg.
What followed was a remarkable collective effort. Areas overgrown with brambles and knotweed were cleared, accessible pathways were laid, raised beds were constructed and a pond, greenhouse and growing areas were created. Veterans and volunteers worked side by side, helping shape the garden into an inclusive environment designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
As the film demonstrates, the project was about much more than horticulture. It was about creating a welcoming place where people could work together, build friendships, develop confidence and find a sense of purpose.
A New Space for the Community
The final film explores the impact the Community Garden continues to have today.
Now established as a peaceful and productive space, the garden is used by military veterans, volunteers and people with learning disabilities who benefit from gardening activities and the calm atmosphere of the setting. Participants speak movingly about the friendships they have formed, the confidence they have gained and the importance of having a safe and inclusive place where everyone is valued.
Again and again, contributors return to the same themes: community, wellbeing and belonging. For many, the garden has become far more than a place to grow vegetables and flowers. It is a place of companionship, support and renewal.
As one participant reflects, “You can leave your troubles behind at the gate and pick them up again on the way out.”
Capturing a Living Legacy
Richard’s films beautifully document not only the history of the garden at Arundells but also the people who have helped shape its latest chapter. Through interviews with volunteers, veterans, staff and participants, the series captures the spirit of collaboration that has transformed a forgotten corner of the grounds into a thriving community asset.
More than forty years after Sir Edward Heath made Arundells his home, the gardens continue to evolve while remaining true to their long history as places of cultivation, reflection and connection.
The Community Garden is not generally open to the public, allowing it to remain a peaceful space for those who benefit most from it. However, produce and plants grown in the garden are available through the Arundells plant stand, with all proceeds reinvested directly into the garden’s upkeep.
We invite you to watch Richard Marks’ three-part film series on the Arundells Bloomberg Connects guide and discover how a historic garden continues to enrich lives today.