Help Shape A Common Paradise
If you’re someone who enjoys the outdoors, stepping into a green space where every corner invites you to reflect, every plant tells a story, and each time you visit, you leave feeling more connected, can feel like something that’s hard to find. A Common Paradise, our garden here at The Exchange is a place where all those things can happen. Created by award-winning designer Sarah Price and nurtured by gardeners, local residents, and volunteers, the garden soon became a place for the community to visit and relax.
We want to create a greener tomorrow and need your support to transform the garden even more. From just £30, you can become a patron and help us secure the garden’s future.
The Garden Story
Not long ago, a patch of concrete and nettles was what lived in the space outside The Exchange. Today, thanks to Sarah Price and our wonderful community, that space has become a stunning oasis that allows people to visit for free and connect with nature. We’ve had visits from as far as Japan and the US, as well as local regulars. In 2022, the transformation began and has blossomed into a place that visitors love to spend time while enjoying the view and creative planting that reflects local heritage and the changing climate. However, there’s space to grow.
Our Ambitions
We truly feel that the garden can become a landmark for experimental horticulture, as well as the perfect example of what green spaces for the community can accomplish. In order to get to this point, we’ve outlined three key missions for the next stage.
Community Wellbeing + Conversation
Though the garden already provides tranquility, there is potential to make this experience even deeper. With your donations, we can:
Turn our iconic greenhouse into a hub for community propagation and plant-sharing.
Build upon our planting scheme, including new sensory experiences that spread across each season.
Build seating areas to give people a space to reflect and have a conversation.
Biodiversity + Nature
At the moment, butterflies, bees, worms, and birds are thriving in the environment. With your help, we will be able to:
Ensure the garden remains an inspiring and resilient place while responding to urban development and climate change.
Reduce our reliance on mains water and improve the collection of rainwater.
Establish new habitats for local species and create water features.
A New Generation of Garden Makers
We would love for the garden to become a learning hub. Here’s what your support can help us do:
Create a Garden Learning Programme that will introduce people of all ages to experimental horticulture.
Turn the Mulberry Room into a Botanical Research Library and Reflection Space, which has been inspired by the lovely donations of botanical books by local resident Margot Godfrey.
Embed community and learning into each garden session and expand opportunities for volunteers.
Why It Matters
We want the garden to be about people as much as it is plants. It means offering a free and accessible space that is welcoming to everyone.
By supporting A Common Paradise, you’re investing in:
Inspiring younger generations and garden enthusiasts to create and learn.
Building a habitat for birds and wildlife.
Improving the well-being of our community by helping the garden remain a place of calm.
Become a Patron
Any support you are able to give, will make a real impact.
You can become a patron from just £30, and as a patron you will receive:
A digital certificate, acknowledging your patronage.
Your name included in our Annual Review.
An invitation to our special Garden Party 2026, plus your name projected on a screen.
You can also become a garden patron, a greenhouse patron, and more, which will give you access to more benefits. Find out more about the patron levels available.
Importantly, you will know that your help played an important part of growing a unique and loved community space for many years to come.
Help Us Shape the Future
The garden belongs to all of us, and everyone is welcome. Together, we can ensure it carries on inspiring, growing and welcoming anyone who walks through the gates.
Take the next step and Donate today and become a Patron of A Common Paradise. Or, if you’d like to discuss and learn more about our garden appeal, please email us at paradise@theexchangeerith.com.
Let’s shape this Common Paradise together.