Friends of Ufford Street Gardens

Brief history of site In the 18th century open ground here was known as Chalcroft Meadow, part of the Manor of Lambeth, owned by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In the early-19th century the area began to be built on by a Mr Samuel Short, who is recalled in a local street name. By 1901 the houses needed rebuilding and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners decided that part should also be set aside as public open space. Lambeth Borough Council agreed and laid out Ufford Street Recreation Ground, which was transferred to them by the Commissioners in 1907. By the late-20th-century half the park was laid out as an asphalted playground, the remainder having grass, seats and several mature London plane trees. Having been neglected, in 2008 the park was restored through Heritage Lottery funding with improved play and sports facilities. It was renamed Ufford Street Gardens.

The friends of Ufford Street Gardens was formed in July 2017 and since that time we have been fund raising and have made a great difference o the gardens. We have been supported by Grainger PLC and G.A.Gilbert, We are Waterloo and WCDG The photo attached is of Grainger PLC volunteers We have virtually finished phase 1 and will start on phase 2 in June 2019