Events and Activities

Volunteer Session

Do you love reptiles? Do you want to help support our local wildlife?

If so, come along to our reptile survey in Great Chart and Singleton on Thursday 25 June.

We’ll meet at Hillcrest Allotments at 9.30am then walk around the area checking under previously laid reptile mats for evidence of snakes or lizards and recording any sightings. 

You’ll need walking boots, long trousers, and sunscreen if sunny. Do bring a drink and you may also want a hat. 

9.30am to 11am

Meet at Hillcrest Allotments, Great Chart (on road parking nearby).

Activity level: moderate (a fair bit of walking on uneven ground)

Free Activity

 Meet new people, enjoy nature and improve your health on our free walk around Victoria Park and beyond.

This 75 minute, circular walk takes a route that is mainly pathed but also goes through rougher terrain which may be overgrown in places. 

On-site parking is available and there are public toilets. If you are unsure as to whether this walk will be suitable for you please get in contact with us, we will be happy to discuss.

Simply turn up 10 minutes prior to the start time and wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. 

We will return to the cafe so the group can continue socialising if they wish. 

10am (please arrive 10 minutes prior to the start time)

Meet at Harper's Cafe.

Volunteer Session

Help us prune the fruit trees in Victoria Park’s orchards using loppers and secateurs. 

If you would like to attend you should wear long trousers and long sleeves. If sunny you should apply sunscreen and may want to wear a hat. Gloves are provided but you may prefer to bring your own. You should also bring a drink as well as lunch if you are staying the whole day. 

9.30am to 3pm

Meet at the Volunteer Compound, Victoria Park.

Activity level: moderate to heavy.

Free Activity

 Get fit and meet new people with our free community outdoor gym sessions.  

Personal Trainer, Wolfy, will show you how to use the outdoor gym equipment to create a routine you can then continue on your own to improve your fitness level.

There's no need to book, simply turn up to one or more sessions at any of the below locations.

Bring a bottle of water and meet by the outdoor gym equipment.

Hunter Avenue Play Area, Willesborough 

Tuesdays, 10am to 11am

June 2, 9, 16, 23

Central Park (The Moat), Park Farm 

Fridays, 3pm to 4pm

June 5, 12, 19, 26

Bulleid Place Play Area

Tuesdays, 10am to 11am

July 7, 14, 21, 28

Rylands Road Play Area, Kennington 

Fridays, 3pm to 4pm

July 3, 10, 17, 24

Spearpoint, Kennington 

Tuesdays, 10am to 11am

August 4, 11

Noakes Meadow Play Area

 Fridays, 3pm to 4pm

August 7, 14

Free Activity

Calling all crocheters and knitters!

Come and get involved in our free community knitting and crochet sessions at Victoria Park, Ashford.

We will be working together to yarn bomb the park.

We welcome all abilities, from beginners to life long knitters, you just need to be able to do a simple knit stitch or know how to double crochet.

You will need to provide your own hooks or needles but we will provide the yarn, guidance and great company. 

Mondays, 1pm to 3pm

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

July 13, 20, 27

August 3, 10, 24, 31

Community Room at Harper’s Cafe

As places are limited for these sessions, please book yours via Eventbrite: 

Free Activity

 Calling all budding artists! Get involved in our free watercolour sessions at Victoria Park. 

Join us for fun and relaxed watercolour workshops where we connect with the park’s landscape and wildlife. 

Whether you're a nature lover or just looking to unwind, these classes are all about enjoying fresh air and creativity.

Book one session or more...

ALL DATES CURRENTLY FULLY BOOKED

Mondays, 10am to 12pm

June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

July 6, 13, 20, 27

August 3

Community Room at Harper’s Cafe

As places are limited for these sessions, please book yours via Eventbrite: 

Free Activity

Join The Fountain Pens, a friendly and welcoming creative writing group inspired by the beautiful Hubert Fountain and surrounding Victoria Park.

Whether you're an experienced writer or have never put pen to paper before, these free sessions are for everyone. Come along to meet new people, spark your imagination, build confidence in your writing, and most importantly, have fun!

Sita will help you to explore ideas in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. There's no pressure and no experience needed – just bring your curiosity and a willingness to get creative.

Book a space on as many sessions as you'd like, as each week, there will be a different topic we will explore.

Sundays, 10am to 12pm

 August 16, 30

September 6, 13, 20, 27 

Community Room at Harper’s Cafe

Volunteer Session

Do you love bats? Do you want to help support our local wildlife?

If so, come along to our bat survey at Conningbrook Lakes on Thursday 6 August.

We’ll station ourselves at various points around the lakes at dusk and use bat monitoring equipment to listen for sounds of activity, making a note of any sightings. 

You’ll need walking boots or wellies, long trousers and warm clothing. We recommend a head torch too. Please note there will be walking on potentially unstable ground in the darkness.

8.15pm to 10pm

Meet at Conningbrook Manor, Willesborough Road, Ashford TN24 0LS 

Activity level: moderate

Free Event

Your favourite dog show returns to Victoria Park for more woofily good fun on Saturday 8 August from 10am to 2pm. This year we’re teaming up with Cats Protection to offer a Big Dog Walk too.

The event kicks off with a group dog walk around Victoria Park, simply meet outside Harper’s Café at 10am to join in the stroll.

At 11am the free-to-enter dog show begins. With seven categories there’s something for every pooch. There's no need to sign up, simply head to the arena, on the main field, at the allotted time for your chosen category (you can enter more than one):

11.00am - Dapper Gentleman
11.20am - Prettiest Lady
11.40am - Most Regal Pensioner
12.00pm - Cutest Puppy
12.20pm - Best Rescue
12.40pm - Best Dressed
1.00pm - Best in Show

You’ll also find a range of stalls from local pet related businesses from vets and groomers to pet accessories and a portrait artist. Harper’s Cafe will be selling doggie-related treats too.

We look forward to seeing you and your furry friends there!

Please note:

Dogs must be on the lead and under control

Dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act will not be permitted to enter

Owners must clear up after their dogs

Parking at the car park and surrounding roads will be very limited so please take public transport or walk if you can (there are good bus and cycle routes with cycle racks located in the park). There is a nearby carpark on Victoria Road, which is just a five-minute stroll away but this is not free so visitors will need to pay.

Free Activity

This FREE weekly yoga class in Victoria Park runs from 3 May to mid-September from 9.30am to 10.30am 

There’s no need to book, just bring a mat or towel to practice on and enjoy the wonderful benefits of yoga in a beautiful outdoor setting.

You’ll find our lovely local teacher, Elise, in the open space near the Community Hub and café – just look out for the Park Yoga flag. 

To be kept up to date with the weekly classes, make sure you follow Park Yoga Ashford on Facebook.

These sessions have been brought to you by Ashford Borough Council and Park Yoga, a charity who provide free community yoga sessions around the UK.

Volunteer Session

Join our team as we clear bamboo from the river banks and pond edges. 

If you would like to attend you will need to wear sturdy walking boots for walking along the bank. You could also bring gloves (we do have some but you may prefer your own thick gloves or rubber gloves) and should wear long trousers and long sleeves. If sunny you should apply sunscreen and may want to wear a hat. You should also bring a drink as well as lunch if you are staying the whole day.

9.30am to 3pm

Meet at the Volunteer Compound, Victoria Park.

Activity level: moderate to heavy.