Originally transformed into a nature-rich community space called NaturEscape in 2020, this site was a former mini-golf area that had fallen into disrepair, was full of waste, low in biodiversity, and unused by the local community. The project was founded through a partnership led by The Nature Effect CIC, Flo’s the Place in the Park, the City Council, and local residents. In 2023, following the sudden death of Kate Jury, a much-loved local garden designer and activist and director of The Nature Effect CIC, the site was renamed Kate’s Place. Kate was the main designer and vision holder for the project, and has left a legacy of transformative work in East Oxford, including projects with young asylum seekers at Barracks Lane Community Garden and collaborations with the Farmers Market.
About the Site
Kate’s Place is located within a much-loved urban park, serving a culturally diverse community with both economic and social challenges alongside a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. An exploratory garden focused on wildflowers, edible foraging, and ecological diversity, the space complements other areas of the park.
Features include:
- Rainwater harvesting and native hedging
- Bee-and insect-friendly planting
- A nature-rich pond
- Natural screening along the tennis courts
- Dog-free zones, as requested by many families
The site is stewarded through programmes that promote social cohesion, communication and confidence-building, and reduce anxiety.
Kate’s Place continues to grow and develop with generous donations from friends and family.
Kates Garden Fund
Kate’s Garden Fund was set up in May 2024 in memory of Kate Jury, who did so much for the development of Barracks Lane Garden, The NaturEscape and many other community greenspace projects near her home in East Oxford.
The new Kate’s Garden Fund will enable friends to donate regular amounts to ensure the stewardship, care and sustainability of Kate’s Place. The fund will also be able to receive gift aid from taxpaying donors and create capacity for fundraising through trusts and foundations or grants.
There is increasing evidence of the benefits of Green Social Prescribing for wellbeing and for subsequent savings to the NHS. Individual and community wellbeing is supported through being outdoors in so many ways. The Fund will enable socially prescribed activities at Barracks Lane Community Garden and other community locations to grow.
Community Engagement Days
Thanks to the support of Kate’s Garden Fund we are running regular community days at Kate’s Place, bringing people together to care for the site, enjoy nature, and connect with others.
Activities focus on either practical upkeep—like scything, hedge trimming, and meadow care—or family-friendly activities such as open-fire cooking, pond dipping, bird feeder making and nature art.
The days have been hugely popular, attracting families, individuals, and new visitors alike. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many valuing the chance to take part in something local, hands-on, and community-driven.
We’re especially grateful to our session leaders for their creativity and to GoodGym for supporting with heavier tasks. Please see image for a list of forthcoming community dates!
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Flo’s Nursery Continues to use the space for their daily sessions, offering the children space to connect with nature and Forest School activities..
Support Kate’s Garden Fund
If you are able to support the ongoing work of Kate Jury, please use the form here, or contact us to find out more.