Green Spaces Survey

To all greenspace Friends Groups throughout the UK

The UK Government has commissioned the University of Sheffield, working with us in the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces (NFPGS), to undertake important research about community involvement and empowerment in green spaces, and the crucial role of Friends Groups.* This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the biggest ever survey of the UK's dedicated greenspace community groups and what they do.

We want to know about your group and the challenges you face - your activities and successes, your key issues, and your needs... and how they might be met.

Your comments are vital and can help shape future support for your group, and your green space. The results will be presented to Government and reported to all national bodies in the greenspace sector.

We urge every group to fill in the survey. Please forward to any other similar groups you are in contact with. The deadline is Sunday 7th December.

Green Spaces Survey

Glendale Sponsors the RBK Staff Awards

Glendale Kingston was thrilled to be a proud corporate sponsor of the Kingston Council 2025 Staff Awards!

Our Community Development Manager, Andy Hallett, represented Glendale and joined the Council's senior leadership team to present the highly deserved 'Collaboration' award to the winner and two runners-up.

A massive congratulations to all the incredible winners!

#KingstonCouncil #StaffAwards #CommunityPartnership 

Glendale Supports the Alpha Road Estate / British Legion

Glendale Kingston are proud to support the fantastic work on the Alpha Road Estate by giving Mary Palmer a practical Community Toolkit packed with essential hand tools. These resources will drive the many great projects led by Mary and her team.

Even better? This toolkit is a shared resource! It will also assist the Kingston British Legion volunteers as they honour their commitment to maintaining the Surbiton War Memorial. A true example of community collaboration!

#Surbiton #Kingston #CommunityToolkit #Volunteering #MakingADifference

Glendale Kingston Mayor Visit

The Glendale team enjoyed a truly special occasion at our Kingston Depot, as the esteemed Mayor of Kingston graced us with a visit. Arriving promptly at 8 AM, the Mayor dedicated valuable time to personally engage with our hardworking grounds maintenance team. During this heartfelt interaction, the Mayor expressed profound gratitude for their unwavering commitment and continuous efforts in maintaining the community's green spaces.

We are incredibly grateful to the Mayor for taking time from his busy schedule to connect with our team. This visit not only served as a powerful recognition of their tireless efforts but also provided a significant boost to morale, reinforcing the vital role they play in enhancing the quality of life for all residents of Kingston. The Glendale Kingston Depot remains committed to fostering a strong relationship with the community and its leadership, continually striving to exceed expectations in all aspects of grounds maintenance. 

Surbiton War Memorial

Andy Hallett, Community Development Manager for Glendale Kingston, joined a dedicated group of volunteers for a Sunday maintenance session at the Surbiton War Memorial.

The community effort involved a collaborative team that included British Legion members, engaged local residents, and Councillors. Their primary goal was to enhance the functionality and appearance of the memorial site, particularly in preparation for the upcoming Remembrance Day service.

The specific tasks completed during the thorough session were:

• Strategic Landscaping: A significant volume of old, overgrown shrubs was removed to create essential, open space for the British Legion band when they perform during the annual Remembrance Day event.

• Detailed Bed Maintenance: The team meticulously cleared the flower beds, edged them for a cleaner look, and applied wood chips for improved presentation and weed control.

• Litter and Debris Removal: Volunteers performed a deep clean, successfully removing all accumulated litter and debris that had collected within the hedges and surrounding grounds.

• General Tidy: The session concluded with a comprehensive tidy-up to ensure the entire site was clean.

This initiative stands as a wonderful example of community cohesion, demonstrating the power of local residents, contractors, and Councillors coming together to actively enhance and preserve their shared public spaces. 

Plough Pond Planting

On Saturday we held a planting and tidy session at Plough Pond in New Malden. 

Local residents joined Andy Hallett (Glendale Kingston's Community Development Manager), Councillor Massimi and we had a guest appearance from former Biodiversity officer Elliot Newton. During the session we planted Greater pond Sedge, Flag Iris and Purple Loosestrife. These will be great additions to the Pond.

The group also carried out litter picking, filling 2 large bags and cleared a large amount of bramble from the back of the site.

We will look to get the group back together in the spring to keep the momentum going and work towards creating the Friends of Plough Pond.

Big thanks to everyone who attended and put a great shift in. 

Vine Close Pond Maintenance

Andy Hallett (CDM) and Georgina Fauconier (RBK Biodiversity officer) spent a morning at the pond at Vine close for a morning of maintenance. A large quantity of duck weed was removed from the pond which should help with the nutrient levels. A large section of the path that surrounds the pond was also cleared of weeds, grass and moss. 

The Glendale Kingston team made a second visit to complete the path clearance.

Christmas Parade

Glendale Kingston were proud to join the New Malden Christmas parade for another year. Our van was decorated with inflatable decorations and joined the parade that travels through New Malden.  

Merry Christmas from all the team at Glendale.