Jul 2024
Severnside Community Rail Partnership is excited to announce the launch of a captivating new photography exhibition at Avonmouth Station, showcasing the artistic talents of Key Stage 4 students from Kingsweston School, thanks to funding from GWR and CrossCountry Trains and support from Avonmouth Community Centre.
Students and staff were joined by members of the rail industry and local community to celebrate a year-long project documenting the natural beauty and seasonal transformations of the Secret Garden, a thriving community food-growing tucked away behind Platform 1 at Avonmouth station. The project is run by Edible Bristol with support from volunteers.
Throughout the past year, students have made regular visits to the Secret Garden, capturing the essence of each season through their lenses. This initiative has not only honed their photography skills but also deepened their understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The photography exhibition is displayed on the outer fence of the garden on Platform 1. Photographs on display provide a vivid portrayal of the garden’s journey through the seasons. From the frosty stillness of frozen water butts in the winter to the bustling activity of insect hotels during warmer months, the imagery celebrates the garden’s resilience and vibrancy. Visitors will also see the bounty of seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, and the essential pollinators that sustain the ecosystem.
The Secret Garden project exemplifies how spaces around railway stations can be repurposed for the benefit of the community. The project started in 2017 and provides fresh edible produce to the Avonmouth Community Centre. It serves as an oasis of calm amidst the industrial environment, providing a sanctuary for both wildlife and residents. The garden is open to the public for one afternoon each week for ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’
Faye Keane, Community Development Officer at Severnside Community Rail Partnership said: “The Secret Garden at Avonmouth station is a gift that keeps on giving and the photography project will make sure more people know about it! It has been a pleasure to work with student from Kingsweston School to explore the space in their own time and feel more connected to it as they witness the seasonal changes. We are delighted with the images because they captured and the enjoyment students got from their visits. The display will certainly grab the attention of station users and encourage more people to visit the garden.”
Eugene Collins, Aurora Class teacher at Kingsweston School said: “We have enjoyed learning about photography and nature. We loved using cameras and spending time in the Secret Garden. Luke would tell us interesting facts about the plants and wildlife, whilst Faye gave us lots of tips whilst taking photos. Having snacks at the local community centre was nice and chilled – the staff and volunteers were really nice too. We love that our photos will be displayed at the platform at Avonmouth Train Station and will hopefully inspire commuters and the local community to access such a lovely and peaceful space. Thanks for all your hard work, Faye and Luke!”
Sara Venn of Edible Bristol said:“This opportunity to bring young people into the garden and get engaged and excited about the Secret Garden is great. It brings new people into the garden brining different aspect of importance and opens it up to a new community.”
CrossCountry’s Regional Director, Bethan Jelfs said: “We’re delighted to have helped support these local students’ photography of the Secret Garden. The railway works all year to connect and support communities like Avonmouth, so their captivating imagery of the changing seasons is particularly fitting”.
GWR Flagship Station Manager Alex Hills said: “We’re delighted to support this project and the students have captured some wonderful images. We’re super proud of the Secret Garden and are incredibly grateful to the volunteers at Avonmouth who keep it looking so resplendent. “The students have produced some really eye-catching work and I’d encourage people to take a trip down to the station to take a look for themselves.”
