Category: Uncategorised

Spend Time in Nature This Easter at The Hidden Gardens 🌸

Easter is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to enjoy the long weekend than stepping outside, breathing in the fresh spring air, and spending some time in the beautiful biodiverse environment of The Hidden Gardens.

This Easter Friday and Saturday, The Hidden Gardens is open, accessible and free to access 11am to 4pm on both days. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a gentle stroll with friends, or simply a moment of calm for yourself, our beautiful green space in the heart of Glasgow is the perfect place to be.

Spring has well and truly arrived at the gardens. Flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and every corner feels alive with new colour and energy. There’s something genuinely restorative about time spent in nature; it slows everything down and reminds us of what matters. 💚

🕘 Easter Friday & Saturday | 9am – 6pm

Welcome to our Impact Report. We’re proud to share all of the different things which have happened in the gardens, and the difference we’ve created together over the past two years. Inside, you’ll find highlights of our work, stories behind the photographs, and testimonials from the community. Thank you to everyone who has contributed, collaborated, and spent time in the gardens – this report is as much yours as it is ours! Please take a moment to explore, and feel free to download a copy to read at your convenience.

Every January, The Hidden Gardens takes part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (BGBW) – the world’s largest wildlife survey!” For us, this annual event is about far more than counting birds. It is an opportunity to understand how wildlife is using our space, to contribute to vital national conservation data, and to reflect on the role urban green spaces play in supporting birds, particularly those under pressure.

Our survey took place early on Friday morning on a cloudy, dry day with light winds, providing good conditions for observing bird activity across the gardens. In just one hour, we recorded:

· 34 birds

· 15 species

Our total count of 37 birds was well above the national average of 27 birds per participant, highlighting The Hidden Gardens as an important haven for birdlife within the city.

A Standout Result: Redpoll on the UK Red List

The most striking result from this year’s Birdwatch was the Common Redpoll, with a group of seven recorded, making it our most frequently spotted bird on the day. Redpolls are members of the Finch family and often travel in very large, noisy, and active groups

This result is particularly significant because Redpolls are on the UK Red List, meaning they are a species of high conservation concern due to severe population declines. Nationally, the average sighting during the Birdwatch was zero, and last year Redpolls ranked 52nd out of 80 species recorded across the UK. Seeing Redpolls in such numbers at The Hidden Gardens demonstrates the importance of providing diverse planting, food sources and shelter, even in small urban green spaces. It also shows how places like ours can play a meaningful role in supporting species that are struggling elsewhere.

Bullfinch Sightings: An Amber List Species

We were also delighted to record two Bullfinches during our count. Bullfinches are listed on the UK Amber List, indicating moderate population declines and ongoing conservation concern.

Bullfinches are often associated with well-structured habitats that include shrubs, hedgerows and seed-bearing plants. Their presence suggests that the gardens are offering the right mix of food and shelter, particularly during the challenging winter months when natural resources are scarce.

Why the RSPB Runs the Big Garden Birdwatch Every January

January is carefully chosen by the RSPB for several key reasons:

· Maximum visibility: Winter is when birds are most reliant on gardens and green spaces for food, making them easier to observe.

· Easier identification: With trees bare of leaves, spotting and identifying birds is much simpler.

· Consistent data collection: Running the survey on the same weekend each year allows scientists to track long-term population trends.

· Social behaviour: Birds are not yet breeding or defending territories, so they often gather in larger feeding groups.

By capturing a nationwide “snapshot in time”, the RSPB can monitor how garden birds are faring and respond to changes with targeted conservation action.

Why Taking Part Matters

The Big Garden Birdwatch is one of the UK’s most successful citizen science projects. Hundreds of thousands of people take part each year, and every count contributes to a clearer understanding of bird populations and environmental change.

For The Hidden Gardens, participating helps us:

· Monitor the health of our habitats

· Understand the impact of seasonal pressures on wildlife

· Highlight the importance of urban green spaces for biodiversity

· Connect our community with nature during a quiet winter month

Our sightings of Redpolls and Bullfinches show that even relatively small spaces can make a real difference for species of conservation concern.

Looking Ahead

Spending just one hour watching birds can contribute to research that protects them for future generations. We are proud of what this year’s results tell us about The Hidden Gardens and look forward to taking part again next January.

Together, small observations can lead to big change.

At The Hidden Gardens, we believe urban greenspaces can be much more than nice places to visit, they can be vital homes for wildlife and places where people and nature thrive together. An essential part of this is understanding the ecosystem through surveying, something which everyone can get involved with through citizen science surveying.

Gardens play an important role in supporting biodiversity, especially in cities where natural habitats are limited. Through surveys, observations, and community involvement, we’ve been learning more about the plants, insects, birds, fungi, and other wildlife that share this space with us. This work helps us understand what’s here now, how things change over time, and how we can care for the gardens in ways that support healthy ecosystems.

A key part of the project has been citizen science. Using the citizen science recording app iNaturalist visitors and volunteers have been helping to log species whenever they explore the gardens. Every record adds to a wider picture of biodiversity locally and beyond, contributing to real scientific knowledge. But it’s not just about data. Getting involved has helped many people notice nature in new ways — spotting insects in the grass, birds in the trees, or fungi on fallen wood. This kind of close observation builds curiosity, care, and a stronger connection to the natural world.

The results so far have been exciting. Several species recorded at The Hidden Gardens were first records for Glasgow or even Scotland, showing how important small urban spaces can be for nature. It’s a powerful reminder that biodiversity can thrive where people take the time to notice and protect it. For the full report click here !

The Hidden Gardens are a shared home for people and wildlife. There are lots of ways to get involved, from joining bird and pollinator surveys to recording sightings on your phone or simply paying closer attention when you visit: everyone can play a part! As we look ahead we’re excited to keep growing this work: learning, sharing, and caring for the life that makes this place so special.

The Hidden Gardens is thrilled to welcome its new Chief Executive, Mahri Reilly, who has taken up her new role this week.

Mahri brings a wealth of experience in Glasgow’s third sector and performing arts worlds, most recently with the award-winning youth arts organisation Toonspeak. Her priorities will be to develop the Gardens’ role as a cultural and community hub, deepening its impact and building ever stronger partnerships. She takes over from Amanda Patterson, who led the Hidden Gardens brilliantly for the last 17 years.

Chair of the Hidden Gardens Trust, Cllr Jon Molyneux, said:

“We are really pleased to welcome Mahri to the Hidden Gardens. Her energy, vision and commitment will be vital as we move into the next phase of the Gardens’ journey. Over the past 20 years the Gardens has been a place for people to come together, make memories and share great moments. We are now looking to the future with a real desire to increase our impact, especially by forging really strong partnerships with different communities that can benefit from what the Gardens has to offer. We are really excited to have Mahri join us to drive that work.”

Mahiri Reilly said:

“I am deeply honoured to step into the role of Chief Executive at The Hidden Gardens. From the moment you enter, the Gardens feel like a quiet heartbeat in the centre of the city. A place where art, nature and community breathe together. It is a sanctuary shaped by creativity, peace and care, inviting us to imagine what a more compassionate world might look like.

Throughout my career I have witnessed how participatory arts can nurture connection, healing and growth. I am inspired to deepen the Gardens’ role as a cultural and community home rooted in peacebuilding, where people can gather, celebrate creativity, and make space for both reflection and joyful expression. Here, we are invited to tend the land gently and to practise a more thoughtful coexistence with nature and with one another. I look forward to working with the team, our partners and the people of Glasgow and beyond, to help the Gardens continue to flourish, offering beauty, belonging and inspiration for many years to come.”

Mahri Reilly is a multidisciplinary artist and cultural leader whose practice is rooted in socially engaged arts, creative wellbeing, and community collaboration. She has held senior leadership roles across the arts: Artistic Director at Toonspeak Young Peoples Theatre, Associate Producer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Creative Director at Scottish Youth Theatre, Head of Learning and Participation at Ovalhouse Theatre London, and Learn Project Manager at the National Theatre of Scotland. She serves as a Trustee for Loop Theatre, a disability-inclusive theatre company, and has worked across festivals and events throughout the UK with Surge Scotland. She champions Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, creative participation, and values-driven community engagement in cultural leadership, and is a recipient of the RCS Innovation Studio Award for her practice-based research project, The Winter Grief Retreat.

Trained in Contemporary Theatre at RCS, Mahri performed with traditional travelling circus before re-training in Physical Theatre. A qualified complementary therapist specialising in massage and bodywork, and certified Yin Yoga instructor, she integrates wellbeing, creativity, and meaningful connection into all aspects of her leadership practice.

We look forward to introducing Mahri to The Hidden Gardens community in 2026!

Among all of those who have shaped The Hidden Gardens, few have influenced its story as significantly as our Chief Executive. After sixteen years at The Hidden Gardens, Amanda is moving on, and we want to express our sincere thanks for everything she has contributed.

From the beginning, Amanda has been a steady and caring guide, someone who truly believed in what The Hidden Gardens stands for. Her wholehearted belief in the power of this space to bring peace, inspiration, and belonging to everyone who walked through the gates has been at the heart of everything.

Throughout Amanda’s time with the gardens she has been a consistent and supportive presence, helping to guide the organisations’ development and championing the importance of this space for everyone who visits and takes part in our programmes. So many wonderful events, projects, and collaborations have happened over the years, and a huge part of that has been Amanda’s dedication and hard work.

Amanda’s commitment to both the gardens and the people who make up our community has played a significant role in shaping what The Hidden Gardens is today. We are deeply grateful for their leadership and wish them every success in the next chapter. The team, with colleagues and friends, held a small celebratory gathering to wish Amanda well on her onward journey! We look forward to welcoming her back as honoured visitor in the near future.

This summer, The Hidden Gardens has been buzzing! The hum of bees in the colourful blooms or the laughter of children on the lawn, and the happy sounds of people coming together, sharing food, creativity, and nature.

A Picnic to Remember

Kicking off the summer we partnered with Interfaith Glasgow for the Taste the Place summer picnic as part of Glasgow’s 850th birthday celebrations brought families from all walks of life into the gardens.

Picnic blankets across the grass, dishes from every corner of the world, and laughter rose above the trees. Children ran between the trees, music floated across the lawns, and the simple act of sharing food became something magical. It was a moment that felt like the city itself: colourful, diverse, and brimming with kindness.

Refugee Festival Scotland

When midsummer came in June, we hosted an event as part of Refugee Festival Scotland. Families and friends gathered and the space was once again filled with music, food, and the warmth of community. We made artworks which showed how plants grow roots, tied herbs into delicious bouquet garni, and made scented flowers to hang in our homes. There was a little inclement weather but that didn’t dampen the spirits of everyone, and the sun still shone!

The Hidden Kitchen at Govanhill Carnival

Summer also saw our community food programme,  The Hidden Kitchen,  step out into the wider community, taking part in the Govanhill Carnival. Against the backdrop of one of Glasgow’s most vibrant neighbourhood celebrations, our team served up flavours that carried the spirit of the gardens beyond our gates.

Thankyou to everyone who contributed, supported and participated in the summer of 2025. It has been a wonderful season and we’re looking forward to the changing colours and beauty of Autumn.

Sign Up: FREE but ticketed! please go to https://forms.gle/XerUeZHhfX5YSL648 to register !

Next Wednesday, March 5th, we’re unveiling a brand-new, collectively made artwork in the Gardens! We Are All Keepers Of Earth was co-created by The Hidden Gardens community members who worked with artist Grace Browne to develop this new inspiring call to action for biodiversity.

What’s happening?

Artist talk by Grace Browne, sharing insights into the creative process

Free lunch, including vegan & gluten-free options

A chance to gather, connect, and celebrate

All warmly welcome!

Date: Wednesday, March 5th

Time: 11.30am

Location: The Hidden Gardens

Come along to celebrate this beautiful addition to our space, created with community and creativity at its heart

Like

Comment

Share

Comment as The Hidden Gardens

The Hidden Gardens Advisory Group is made up of people from all walks of life, who support and advise the work of the organisation. They meet regularly to discuss, feedback and offer their perspectives, which are shared with the trustees and the staff team.

Members are invited to around 4 meetings each year at the Gardens, and are expected to attend at least 2 meetings each year. The times of these meetings will vary to allow everyone to participate.

Membership of the Advisory Group is open to any person who is not an employee of The Hidden Gardens and who wishes to support its work.

We are particularly interested in applications from:

• People who use the Gardens
• People who live locally
• People who are or have been involved in our community activities
• People who have expertise in community gardening
• People who are members of local religious communities
• People who identify as disabled
• People who are involved in the arts and music
• People who work or run businesses locally
• Young people, aged between 18 and 25

The most important criteria is a desire to support The Hidden Gardens in its vision of a society where people live, play, learn, participate and celebrate together in peace.

The steps to becoming an Advisory Group member are:

1. Express interest by email to amanda@thehiddengardens.org.uk 
2. Complete a simple application form
3. Await notification that your application has been approved by the Board

Would you like the opportunity to develop your experience in the community sector and support a flourishing greenspace group?

We’re looking for 4 or 5 new people to join The Hidden Gardens Trust Board of Trustees!

The Trust exists primarily to make a difference in people’s lives by improving the wellbeing of the community and to benefit the environment and wildlife. It works to support the neighbourhoods of East Pollokshields and Govanhill by empowering local people. We offer a safe and welcoming space immersed in nature in which people of all ages, abilities and walks of life can come together to learn, create, participate, connect with each other and with nature.

In the last 22 years we have grown and developed from an environmental art installation into a biodiversity conscious greenspace that is committed to wellness, peace, inclusion and environmental sustainability. 

The facilities are also available to hire for large or intimate community, private and public events.

The Hidden Gardens is operated by the Hidden Gardens Trust, a registered Scottish charity. The Trust has launched a new strategic plan (2025 – 2030) and seeks 4 or 5 new trustees to join.

In this role, you and the other trustees will help shape the strategic direction, sustainability and governance of the organisation, supporting the fantastic staff team to deliver a variety of environmental, social and wellbeing opportunities to meet the needs of the community and of nature. 

We are particularly keen to recruit trustees from the communities that the Gardens serves.

Priority Criteria, candidates must have at least one of the following criteria to apply:

• Fundraising
• Enterprise
• Business management and strategy 
• Corporate networking
• Horticulture, biodiversity or environmental regeneration

Time commitment

We hope that the time you give to the Gardens will be rewarding to you. Importantly, you need to work around your life, work and other commitments. We meet five times a year, in the evenings, (currently on Tuesdays) and ask that you can attend at least four of these meetings. We also encourage you to participate in sub groups, to support specific projects or strategic priorities.

Please get in touch if you would like to ask any questions, or have a chat about this opportunity & how it could work for you.

Contact
Chief Executive, Amanda, at amanda@thehiddengardens.org.uk   

Apply
If you would like to apply, please read the trustee information & send a C.V and a brief covering letter to Amanda, explaining why you are interested and what you can offer.

Deadline to apply: rolling

More Information: Visit the website (and other social media platforms) to find out more about the wide-ranging work of the Hidden Gardens. https://www.thehiddengardens.org.uk  

Contact: amanda@thehiddengardens.org.uk