Launched in 2015, the Geddington Brickyard Garden has always been a place where the community can come together: whether to get their hands dirty in the soil, enjoy a quiet moment in nature, or simply catch up with friends and neighbours.
Tucked away at the top of Wood Street, the Geddington Brickyard Garden has long been a cherished community space, a place where nature and people come together to create something truly special. Now, as the garden enters an exciting new chapter, two fresh faces have stepped up to help steer it forward—Kam Caddell and Harry Tomkins, the newly appointed directors.
Meet the New Directors
Kam Caddell, a former part-time teacher and full-time single parent, has been a familiar face in the village for years. Passionate about history and community, Kam has spent two decades lecturing and giving historical tours at the church. When long-time Brickyard volunteer Lynette put out a call for support, Kam knew it was time to get involved. His hope is to see more people enjoy and take ownership of this wonderful green space.
Harry Tomkins, originally from Manchester, moved to the village in October and quickly found himself drawn to the Brickyard Garden. With a background as a Civil Servant and a love for the outdoors, he was eager to swap city life for a hands-on role in the community. Learning the ropes from experienced volunteers, Harry has already taken on practical tasks like path clearing and winter de-brambling while helping modernize communication with the launch of a new Facebook presence and WhatsApp group.
A Garden with a Rich History
The Geddington Brickyard Garden (GBG) is a community-led project that has transformed a once-derelict site at the end of Wood Street—known locally as The Brickyard—into a flourishing green space for all to enjoy. The idea for the GBG began in January 2014 when Boughton Estate, the landowner, offered support for initial proposals. Since then, thanks to the dedication of countless volunteers, the garden has steadily evolved into a vibrant and welcoming place.
The garden is designed to be inclusive, providing raised beds for gardeners of all abilities, a renovated wooden shed with views over the garden and surrounding woods, and a space for creative arts and crafts. The GBG mural celebrates the site’s brickmaking history, featuring clay bricklets crafted by local families during the launch event in April 2015. Many of the garden’s features are made from reclaimed materials, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability.
Since its registration as a Community Interest Company in July 2014, the Geddington Brickyard Garden CIC has continued to thrive with the support of local organisations, businesses, and residents. The garden remains a work in progress, constantly evolving as new ideas, resources, and hands-on effort shape its future.
A Garden for Everyone
The GBG is more than just a green space—it’s a shared space. Whether you’re a keen gardener, a nature lover, or simply someone looking for a peaceful place to relax, the garden welcomes all. The dedicated volunteers who keep it going believe that many hands make light work, and no contribution is too small.
Every Sunday from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, volunteers gather to help maintain the garden. Tasks range from simple tidying to planting and structural maintenance. There’s no pressure—whether you come once in a while or make it a regular habit, every bit of effort is appreciated to keep this beloved space thriving.
Seed Swap
In addition to regular volunteer sessions, the GBG has introduced a Seed Swap, where people can exchange or pick up free seeds to encourage local gardening efforts. It will be available during volunteer hours, offering an easy way to contribute to the community’s green thumb.
Join Us!
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, making a donation, or just stopping by to enjoy the beauty of the garden, the Brickyard is always open to visitors.
If you’d like to stay updated, be sure to follow the GBG Facebook page and join the new WhatsApp group for real-time updates and volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions, you can also reach out via email at geddingtonbrickyard@gmail.com.
The Geddington Brickyard Garden is a place that thrives on community spirit—let’s work together to keep it alive and growing!