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Making a difference: putting sustainability & community at the heart of our work

At Fulham Palace, we’re all about making a real impact—on our community and the environment.

Whether it’s through sustainable gardening practices or running outreach sessions with schools and local groups, we’re putting carbon reduction and environmental care at the heart of everything we do. As part of this mission, we are proud to partner with inspiring horticultural programmes, helping to grow a love of gardening and open doors to careers in the horticulture industry.

One of the key ways we extend our commitment to making a difference is by partnering with horticultural training programmes like Future Gardeners. Run by Bankside Open Spaces Trust, Future Gardeners is a free scheme that helps individuals from all backgrounds gain entry-level jobs in horticulture. It not only provides participants with a City & Guilds qualification but also offers career support and practical advice, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in the green industry.

We love welcoming Future Gardeners participants to Fulham Palace! This year marks the third annual visit. Recently, they rolled up their sleeves and helped us tackle one of the toughest jobs in our garden—cutting back the historic moat. It’s no easy task, but with the help of the Future Gardeners, the Palace garden team and our lovely volunteers, the moat’s overgrowth didn’t stand a chance.

This year’s visit from Future Gardeners was particularly special to us because of stories like Jonathan’s. As a former Future Gardener, Jonathan took part in the 12th cohort in 2021, and thanks to the training and support he received, he’s now a valued member of our garden team. Jonathan is currently on a 12-month traineeship as part of English Heritage’s Heritage and Botanical Garden Training Programme, where he continues to build on the skills he gained from Future Gardeners.

The training I received through Future Gardeners was invaluable in launching my career in horticulture. I’m so grateful to now be part of the Fulham Palace team, and it was a pleasure to welcome the latest group of Future Gardeners here. Their enthusiasm reminded me of my own journey and how far I’ve come.

Jonathan, garden trainee

Our work at Fulham Palace is about more than just preserving history; it’s about making a meaningful difference today and in the future. By prioritising sustainability, working with schools and local groups and partnering with initiatives like Future Gardeners, we hope to inspire the next generation of green leaders. Together, we can create a more sustainable future—one that benefits not just our gardens, but our community and the planet as well.