This piece was written by Amanda Wright, Chair of the Friends of Betts Park. A non-profit organisation helping to maintain the park on behalf of the London Borough of Bromley.
A year ago I became the new Chair of the Friends of Betts Park and since then have worked tirelessly to improve the 13 acres of parkland in the heart of Anerley.
If you think a concrete canal is the only surprise hidden in Anerley, think again. Tucked away behind a gate near the Betts Way entrance lies the park’s newest, most heartwarming passion project: the Betts Park Secret Garden.
For over 20 years, this particular corner of the park wasn’t a garden at all — it was an overgrown council maintenance depot completely cut off from the public. But the relentless volunteers of the Friends of Betts Park looked at a wasteland of weeds and abandoned infrastructure and thought, “Yes, this is the perfect place for a cup of tea and some horticulture.” Armed with community spirit, a healthy dose of elbow grease, and a freshly gifted cordless drill to build raised beds, locals have been entirely transforming the space.
The “Secret Garden” is designed to be a fully accessible community haven, building out a rich blueprint for local biodiversity and relaxation:
- The Pollinator Paradise: Teaming up with local wildlife initiatives like the B.E.E Project, volunteers have been busy packing the garden with bee-friendly plants to make it a buzzing metropolitan hotspot for local pollinators.
- The Frog Pond: A brand-new wildlife pond was introduced, giving local amphibians a premium piece of South London real estate.
- The Grand Vision: While infrastructure like water collectors and terraced seating areas are taking shape, the long-term goal is to officially open the space fully to the wider public by 2027 as a community hub for sharing gardening tips and hot brews.
Because it is still a work in progress, the garden remains locked most of the week to protect the growing habitats. However, if you want to experience it firsthand, you don’t need a secret password — you just need to volunteer.
“Just Turn Up” volunteering sessions every Tuesday afternoon (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM) and Saturday morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM). It’s an unpretentious, friendly atmosphere where anyone can help clear weeds, paint fences, or plant flowers (though due to the ongoing construction site nature, it’s currently kept for those aged 12 and over).
It is proof that with enough community determination, even an old council depot can bloom into something magical.