Local History Month
Local History Month
Free Activity
Join us at Harper's Cafe in May for some exciting local history sessions where kids can learn and have fun at the same time!
Each Sunday in May 2026, we will be holding a free activity session, looking at different periods in Ashford's history.
Come and find out what Anglo-Saxon items were found here, who was accused of being a witch and how the park was used to protect the town!
9am to 11am
Harper’s Café Community Room
Victoria Park TN23 4QA
As places are limited for these sessions, please book your child’s place via Eventbrite:
Park Yoga
Local History Month
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.
21 May - Wetland Puddling
Volunteer Session
Our volunteer days are a great way to make new friends, get some exercise in the fresh air and enjoy nature.
During this session we’ll be digging scrapes in our wetland area then treading down the mud to create shallow ponds. These hold water for periods during the year and support a variety of species, including insects, amphibians, birds and mammals.
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 Victoria Park's Volunteer Compound
Activity level: moderate to heavy
28 May - Amphibian Survey - Finberry
Volunteer Session
We’ll walk around Finberry ponds at nightfall using torches to look for frogs, toads and newts, recording 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.
8.30pm to 10pm
Meet on Brambling Avenue, Kingsnorth TN25 7FB
If you want to come along, just drop us an email at parkvolunteers@ashford.gov.uk so we know to look out for you.
Older children (secondary school age) are welcome but must be accompanied at all times by their parent/guardian - to check suitability please email us at the above address.
Activity level: moderate
Knit and Natter
Brush with Nature
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
September 7
Community Room at Harper’s Cafe
As places are limited for these sessions, please book yours via Eventbrite:
Brush with Nature
Brush with Nature
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...
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:
1 June - Green Walk
11 June - Water Vole Survey - Kennington
Free Activity
Meet new people, enjoy nature and improve your health on our free walk around Victoria Park and Singleton Lake with their beautiful scenery.
This 75 minute, circular walk is suitable for anyone who has some level of fitness and who doesn’t have a mobility difficulty or health concerns.
On-site parking is available and there are public toilets. The route takes well surfaced paths and tracks through woodland with only one incline and one section of steps.
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.
11 June - Water Vole Survey - Kennington
11 June - Water Vole Survey - Kennington
Volunteer Session
We’ll walk alongside the banks of the river in Little Burton Park, Kennington looking for evidence of water voles and recording any information and sightings.
You’ll need walking boots, long trousers and sunscreen if sunny. You may also want a hat. Please note there will be a fair bit of walking on uneven ground, alongside the river.
If you have your own binoculars these would be handy.
9.30am to 11am
Meet on Frank Edinger Close, Kennington TN24 9RB
If you want to come along, just drop us an email at parkvolunteers@ashford.gov.uk so we know to look out for you.
Activity level: moderate
18 June - Meadow Scything
18 June - Meadow Scything
Volunteer Session
Our volunteer days are a great way to make new friends, get some exercise in the fresh air and enjoy nature.
In this special session guest trainer, Mary Ellis, will teach you how to use traditional scything tools and techniques which we will then use on our meadow.
You will learn:
- safety for yourself and others
- setting up the scythe to fit you
- stance and mowing technique
- honing and blade care
- organising your mow
As places are limited for this session you MUST book your spot by emailing parkvolunteers@ashford.gov.uk by Friday 5 June. When emailing please also provide your height (this is so Mary can prepare and bring the right sized equipment).
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. All the necessary equipment for the day will be supplied, including cut-resistant gloves for use when handling the blade. If you're prone to blisters we suggest you bring a pair of light gloves to wear when you are mowing. You should also bring a drink as well as lunch (alternatively you can purchase these at Harper’s café).
9.30am to 4pm
(please arrive by 9.15am)
Meet at Victoria Park's Volunteer Compound
Activity level: moderate to heavy
