Image is a painting by the artist Bernard Ollis from his Sydney Gardens series, Kennet & Avon Canal, by kind permission of the artist

We are running participatory activities in Sydney Gardens in line with current government guidance, mostly outdoors and in small groups with some self-led activities.  

Read past issues of our e-newsletters with information about how you can take part in our project.

This image is a painting by the artist Bernard Ollis from his Sydney Gardens series, Kennet & Avon Canal, by kind permission of the artist

Nature Tots with Foxglove Forest School - Fridays (except half term) - 10am-11am 

Holly Dabbs leads the Nature Tots sessions in Sydney Gardens. For details and to book please go to the Foxglove Forest School website.  Please contact Holly directly with any enquiries.

Outdoor Exercise Class for age 55+ - Tuesdays - 11am to 12 noon

Join this small group exercise class led by personal trainer Amy Pattenden. Sign up or enquire through Amy's website.

For information about volunteer gardening and horticultural training activities, go to Sydney Gardening.



Past events in 2021

A Bridge to Another City - self-led family Art & Nature Trail - 12 to 18 April 2021

Pick up the free trail from the box outside the Holburne any day between Monday 12th and Sunday 18th April, and go on a on a journey through Sydney Gardens exploring canals and Canaletto. Activities are inspired by the forthcoming exhibition at the Holburne of Canaletto's Venetian waterways and the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal that runs through the park.  Suitable for primary school aged children. Partnershp between the Sydney Gardens Project and the Holburne.

World Heritage Day Walks at the edges of Sydney Gardens hosted by Richard White - Sunday 18 April 2021 - 11am / 2pm

Journeys on the edge of Sydney Gardens for curious people, hosted by artist and writer Richard White and the Sydney Gardens Project. Walk the perimeter of Sydney Gardens - an exploration of the edgelands of the park - looking for stories, surprises and connections. Small group activity. All details and booking go to our Eventbrite site.

Bird song and BirdID training led by Lucy Delve - Tuesday 20 April 2021 - 7am

Join Lucy Delve, a Bath based naturalist, birder and walk leader on a morning training session in Sydney Gardens. Do you want to learn to identify birds through their song? Are you interested in learning about the species and habitat of birds that live in our city centre parks? We are inviting people who live near to Sydney Gardens (within a 15 minute walk of the park) to take part in this free training with only 4 places available. We welcome those who already volunteer on the Sydney Gardens Project, or are interested in volunteering on future conservation sessions, to book a place.

Nature Tots with Foxglove Forest School - fully booked

- block of 5 sessions starting Friday 23 April 2021

Holly Dabbs leads the Nature Tots sessions in Sydney Gardens - for full details and to book please go to the Foxglove Forest School website. the Sydney Gardens Project is funding 4 bursary places for families on low incomes or UC. Please contact Holly through her website for details.

Mental Health Awareness Week activities - starting week of 10th May 2021

3 activities are taking place as part of Mental Health Awareness Week in Sydney Gardens

Gardening for wildlife - Wednesday 12 May 2021, 2pm - 4pm.

Join our gardener Mali Kedward and wildlife educator Alison Dent to learn about how to make a garden wildlife friendly.

 For all the details and to book for this small group session, click here.

Mindfulness in Nature - Thursday 13 May 2021, 6pm to 7pm

A one hour session led by Huw Griffiths from Mindfulness Bath. Book here for one or all three sessions.

Creativity Works - Intention Sticks - Thursday 13 May / Thursday 10 June 2021, 2pm to 4pm

Creativity and wellbeing, working within and with nature, led by Samantha Hickman. For all information and to book, go to the Creativity Works website.

Mindfulness in Nature - Thursday 20 / 27 May 2021, 6pm to 7pm

A one hour session led by Huw Griffiths from Mindfulness Bath. Book here for one or both sessions.

Cosmo-rama! Make a pinhole camera lens workshop, with Natalie Keymist and James Holcombe

Bank Holiday Monday 31st May from 11am to 4pm - free!

Artists Natalie and James will show you how to build your own pinhole lens to use with your mobile phone or digital camera. Play around with image making , creating your own photos and videos using a handmade lens in this fun and experimental activity for ages 7+. Explore the park creating images that will be part of a special online Cosmo-rama movie!  Book a slot on the hour or the half hour - book your place. This activity has been programmed as part of the Holburne Museum's weekend event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the museum extension opening.

Free After-School & Summer Holiday Play sessions with Bath Area Play Project Rangers - fully booked

Every Wednesday afternoon until 18 August from 3.30pm to 5.30pm

We are excited that play ranger sessions are restarting in the park so that children can have fun playing!  BAPP Play Rangers will facilitate a range of different play opportunities for primary age children. Details and booking through BAPP Eventbrite.

Nature Tots with Foxglove Forest School - fully booked

- block of 6 sessions starting Friday 11 June 2021 (opening for booking on 17th May)

Holly Dabbs leads the Nature Tots sessions in Sydney Gardens - for full details and to book please go to the Foxglove Forest School website. the Sydney Gardens Project is funding 4 bursary places for families on low incomes or UC. Please contact Holly through her website for details.

Explorations at the edges of Sydney Gardens hosted by Richard White - Sunday 20 June 2021 - 11am / 2pm

Journeys on the edge of Sydney Gardens investigating how the park connects across time to other parts of the world, hosted by artist and writer Richard White and the Sydney Gardens Project. Walk the perimeter of Sydney Gardens - an exploration of the edgelands of the park - looking for stories, surprises and connections. Small group activity of 8-10 people - fully outdoors: reserve your free place.

The Ironwork Loos in Sydney Gardens- An onsite talk with Andy Thearle from IronArt

Thursday 22 July 2021 - 6pm - 7pm

Join this fascinating onsite talk and tour of the Ironwork Loos in Sydney Gardens and hear all about the conservation project to restore these significant Gents and Ladies Grade II listed loos. For full details and to reserve your free place (mostly outdoors in the park, limited places).

Roman Archaeology in Sydney Gardens - a sarcophagus and other recent finds

Monday 26 July - 6pm - 7.30pm in the Clore Room at the Holburne Museum

A talk by L-P Archaeology at Sydney Gardens recounting the story of the discoveries, and the methods and techniques used in the process. Limited spaces. All details and booking here.  We will be filming the talk, so if you miss out, we will be sharing it online later.

Family Gardening for Wildlife - Tuesday 27 July - 2pm-4pm

Join our Horticultural Participation Officer Mali Kedward for an outdoor family learning and play session in Sydney Gardens. You will learn how to encourage more wildlife to gardens and parks in a practical hands-on way. This session is designed for children aged 8-12 but siblings are welcome. Booking essential.

Free Quiet Play sessions with Bath Area Play Project Rangers 

Every Friday morning through August from 6 until 27 August - 10am to 12 noon

These sessions are specially for children who need quieter play sessions in a small group of 10-12 children.  BAPP Play Rangers will facilitate a range of different play opportunities for primary age children accompanied by their parent / carer.  Details and booking through BAPP Eventbrite.

Nature Tots Summer Holiday Pop-Up with Foxglove Forest School 

2 sessions in the park on Friday 20th August and Friday 27th August from 10am to 11am. For full details and to book please go to the Foxglove Forest School website.

Heritage Open Day in Sydney Gardens - Saturday 18 September - 12 noon until 4pm

Tours of the Gardens * Printing & Crafting * Launch of our new Heritage and History Trail * Displays about the fascinating heritage of the park * Find out about our restoration project.Also BPT's Beckford's Tower Project will be there with a family friendly activity making towers! Go inside the newly restored Ironwork Loos * Take a peek at the Ruin *

12 noon - Take a tour of the park to find out about our park restoration project - reserve your free place.

1.30pm & 3.00pm - Take a historic tour of the park with the Friends of Sydney Gardens - reserve your free place.

Bathscape Walking Festival events:

Uncovering the stories behind the built heritage of Sydney Gardens - Wednesday 15 September - 5pm - 6.15pm

Join the Sydney Gardens project archaeologist Susana Parker from RPS Group, and historian and author Kirsten Elliott as they focus on telling about new understandings about the archaeology and the historic buildings in Sydney Gardens. Was the Ruin a Supper Box? Where was the Sidney Tap? Where was the Roman sarcophagus found? Reserve your place here.

Botany, Empire and Deep Time - Two walks starting in Sydney Gardens with Richard White - Sunday 19 September at 10.30am & 2pm

Come along for one or both of these walking conversations speculating for truths in reluctant heritage and uncomfortable histories.  Listening for unheard stories …. Curious and open minded walkers of all ages welcome.Morning Walk: A Sultan, the Grotto and Sugar: a walk under and out of the western edge of the park sensing legacies of slave ownership and the East India Company. Reserve your place here.

Afternoon Walk: Convicts, circuses and automata: a walk along the axis of the park and beyond, sensing Sydney and imagining a Black horseman in Bath. Reserve your place here.

Nature Tots with Foxglove Forest School - Fridays (except half term) - 10am-11am - until 17 December 2021

Holly Dabbs leads the Nature Tots sessions in Sydney Gardens - for full details and to book please go to the Foxglove Forest School website. The Sydney Gardens Project is funding 4 bursary places for families on low incomes or UC.  Please contact Holly through her website for details.

Outdoor Exercise Class for age 55+ - Tuesdays - 11am to 12 noon until 21 December 2021

Want to try out an outdoor exercise class but not sure if it’s right for you? - here’s the perfect opportunity, for free! Join this free 55+ Exercise Group in the park led by personal trainer Amy Pattenden. This is a small group – up to 12 places – for residents of B&NES. Sign up here.

Trees of Sydney Gardens Weekender - Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 November 

Join us on the first weekend of National Tree Week in a 2 day event celebrating the trees in our park, tree projects in B&NES and trees near you! 

The Sydney Gardens Tree Weekender is a packed programme online and on the ground - walks, talks, learning - all kinds of activities for all ages, run by ReThinking Cities (Urban Tree Festival) in partnership with the Sydney Gardens Project.


Past events in 2020

Historic Tours of Sydney Gardens - Every Second Sunday of the Month, 2.30pm – 3.15pm 

Led by the Friends of Sydney Gardens. Free - all welcome. Come and here about the fascinating history of this unique Georgian Pleasure Garden. Meet at the park entrance behind the Holburne.

How to lead a guided tour - Friday 6th March, 10am - 12pm

If you are new to giving tours, already experienced or want to gain more confidence, join Luke Scoging for training on how to lead a guided tour. Luke is a Blue Badge Guide for the SW England and has experienc ein delievring tours in some of the UK's most popular visitor attractions. This training will cover how to research, write and deliver a tour: reserve a place on Friday 6th March training session.

Digital photography workshop - Friday 13th March, 9am - 12pm

Learn how to take better photos in this session led by professional photographer Emma Rachel Sherab. Do you like taking photos, have your own camera (basic or advanced) and would like to learn how to take better images?  Can you help us photograph Sydney Gardens Bath before our National Lottery funded restoration project begins? For all the information and to book a place go to our Eventbrite site.  

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we had to cancel over 35 planned activities and events between mid March and December 2020, as a result of government guidance and social distancing measures including Tai Chi in the park, Mindfulness, Bird ID training, Tree Walks and Talks, Podcasting training, After School Play, Nature Tots, Share the Space get-together, Community Play Days, Community Archaeology and many more. We hope to reschedule most of these activities in the future.

How to make a Podcast (Level 1) - Friday 16th October - 10am - 4pm 

Learn how to make a podcast in a day with trainer Eliza Lomas. The podcasting workshop will be a hands-on day of making, learning and listening.

Using Social Media - Wednesday 21st October - 10am - 11.30am - online

Learn all about using social media with trainer Ella Collins, organised in partnership with the Cleveland Pools project. This training is aimed at volunteers with a range of experience: those already work with social media, those who are new to it but want to know more, and those who are interested but need an introduction.

Hobby Horse Workshop Make & Create - Monday 2nd November at 10am - for Bath Home Educators 

In November 2020, we celebrated the amazing equine heritage of the Sydney Gardens with its historic Ride, where women and men rode horses, galloping over the leaping bars! We commissioned artists Aimee Corbett and Tessa Bide, to design make-at-home Hobby Horse crafting kits, which were then brought to life in online puppetry workshops. We worked with Bath Home Educators, Bath Young Carers and children from across B&NES. 

Have you ever dreamt of owning your own horse? Ever dreamt of riding a trusty steed? Are you interested in: making, stories and going to the park?

Join artists Aimee Corbett and Tessa Bide to make your own hobby horse from a kit and bring it to life. Free! For ages 7-12 years. Only 8 places. All the details and bookings here through Eventbrite.

How to make a Podcast (Level 2) - Friday 13th November - 10am - 3pm - online

Learn how to make a podcast in a day with trainer Eliza Lomas. The podcasting workshop will be a hands-on day of making, learning and listening.

Hobby Horse Workshop Make & Create - open to all - Saturday 14th November at 10am

Have you ever dreamt of owning your own horse? Ever dreamt of riding a trusty steed? Are you interested in: making, stories and going to the park?

Join artists Aimee Corbett and Tessa Bide to make your own hobby horse from a kit and bring it to life. Free! For ages 7-12 years. Only 8 places. All the details and bookings here through Eventbrite.

Using Social Media - Saturday 14th November - 10am - 11.30am - online

Another chance to learn all about using social media with trainer Ella Collins, organised in partnership with the Cleveland Pools project. This training is aimed at volunteers with a range of experience: those already work with social media, those who are new to it but want to know more, and those who are interested but need an introduction.

Nature Tots: blocks of 4 sessions starting Friday 27th November 2020 at 10am  OR 11.30am

These outdoor play sessions are especially for single parents or carers, or those who have not had the chance to try outdoor play with their toddlers. Small group, Covid-secure sessions last an hour and are led by Outdoor Play and Forest School leader Holly Dabbs.  Please contact the Community Ranger for more information

How to lead a guided tour - Friday 27th November - 10am - 12pm

If you are new to giving tours, already experienced or want to gain more confidence, join Luke Scoging for training on how to lead a guided tour in this online training. Luke is a Blue Badge Guide for the SW England and has experience in delivering tours in some of the UK's most popular visitor attractions. This training will cover how to research, write and deliver a tour.

Launch of the Sydney Gardens Tree Trail - Saturday 5th December - 10am - 12pm

Come and collect a copy of the new Tree Trail fro the park celebrating some of our significant and ancient trees, created in partnership with the Friends of Sydney Gardens, celebrating National Tree Week.  Sue Palmer, the Community Ranger and Gill Gazzard from the Friends will be there in person with printed leaflets! - Covid-safe!


Past events in 2019

Bird song and calls - Monday 6th May from 8am to 10.30am

A wander in Sydney Gardens and along the Canal to Bathwick led by Lucy Delve, (FoSG, Bath Nats, RSPB)

Book your free place here Age 12 yrs +, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tai Chi in the park - Sundays, 12.30pm - 1.30pm

Every Sunday until 11th August (except in rain).

These FREE sessions are led by teacher Paddy Nisbett.

Meet at the park entrance behind the Holburne Museum. You will then go to another area in the park for the session. Please arrive 5 minutes early to register and ensure the session can start on time. Please wear a hat to protect against the sun, and bring a bottle of water.

14 yrs+ Any under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book. Sessions take up to 25 people. No experience needed - beginners welcome!

 

Garden Trust Tour of Sydney Gardens - Wednesday 15th May, 4.15pm - 5.00pm

Preceding the Garden Trust Talk with Dr Marion Harney at the Bath Museum of Architecture

Forest of Imagination 2019 - 20th to 24th June at the Holburne Museum and Sydney Gardens

Discover a free, fantastical forest and outdoor gallery right in the heart of the city - for all ages.

Visit the Forest of Imagination website for the full programme. Come and play!

The 100th Anniversary of the Peace Oak in Sydney Gardens in Bath - Saturday 6th July, 2.30pm to 4.00pm

Join us to celebrate the planting of the Golden Oak on the 'Queen of the West Lawn' as part of the Peace Celebrations in Bath marking the end of the First World War.

Free tea and buns for all! Bath Classical Musicians play music that was played 100 years ago in Sydney Gardens. Display of Artwork made by Year 4 children from Bathwick St Mary's Primary School. Make a Peace Tree out of clay workshop with Elise Menghini. Make an Origami Paper Crane workshop with Akiko Wakefield.  A new stone plaque will be unveiled by Deputy Mayor Manda Rigby. Take away a peace crane and a souvenir booklet all about the history of the Peace Oak.

Bath Carnival - Saturday 13th July

Join the annual splendour of this great free celebratory event in the city of Bath.

Festival of Archaeology - Saturday 20th July - 11am to 3pm - a partnership project between the Sydney Gardens Project and The Roman Baths

In 1793 the tombstone of a Roman priest was discovered in Sydney Gardens.  Join us as we explore the park's past as a Roman burial ground. Discover what we know about Roman death practices, handle objects and become an archaeologist! - see how many bones of the body you can identify and play 'Rot or Not'.  Family craft activities with flowers, and learn stonecarving too. Plus you can help mark out the spot where the Roman Coffins were found in the Gardens... 

*Special Talk* at 1.30pm in the Clore Room of the Holburne Museum: Burial Rituals and Rites with Dr Helen Frisby

In this talk historian Dr Helen Frisby will explore English funeral customs since the medieval era, and how we continue nowadays to relate to death, dying and the dead. Dr Helen Frisby is an internationally recognised expert on the history, folklore and material culture of death, dying and bereavement.  Book your free place here.

Play Day with Bath Area Play Project - Wednesday 31st July from 12.00pm - 3.00pm

Build a giant castle from cardboard! And use a ballista to check out it's defences!  Make a giant swing together and build a pipe maze.  Activities are inspired by the heritage of the 18th Century Pleasure Gardens. Join in creative, sensory play, and try out the paint bike!

Mindfulness Walks in the park, FRIDAYS from 1.00pm to 2.00pm

Fridays in May, July & August.  

Interested in learning about Mindfulness? Take time in green space with Huw Griffiths of Mindfulness Bath. Come to just one or all four of the sessions - book your place here.  14yrs+ Any under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. 

After School Play for children and young people, Wednesdays, 3.30pm - 5.30pm

Led by play rangers from Bath Area Play Project with games and general fun!

The Wednesdays sessions restart on 4th September and run until 9th October.

For children aged 5yrs+ - under 8's need to be accompanied by an 18+yr old. Meet at the London Plane Tree trunk on the Lower Lawn.

Grand Regency Costumed Promenade setting out from Sydney Gardens - Saturday 14th September, 11am

Watch 500+ people dressed in Regency style promenade through the city, which this year departs from Sydney Gardens, in this world famous, spectacular official opening to the Jane Austen Festival, Bath.

The Park Keepers’ model railway of Sydney Gardens - Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September, (Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-4pm)

Clore Room, Holburne Museum - Free entry

Come and see an amazing working model of the mainline railway as it passes through Sydney Gardens (OO gauge). Built by The Park Keepers - five friends all based locally - the trains are typical of a normal day in the park between 1956 and 1966. This event is a partnership between the Holburne and the Sydney Gardens Project.

 

Friends of Sydney Gardens Community Day - Sunday 15th September from 1.00pm - 4.00pm

The gardens will be a hive of activity with plenty to enjoy for everyone - a working forge with IronArt, stalls including Bath Bees, games and play with Bath Area Play Project, art activities led by the Holburne, talks and tours with a special tour about Jane Austen, Donkeys and a Fire Engine! 

This event is a partnership between the Friends and the Sydney Gardens Project.

 

Events in the park as part of the Bathscape Walking festival

Traversing Sydney Gardens and beyond, making the return - Sunday 15th September, 9.30am

Artist and investigative walker Richard White leads a thoughtful walk traversing Sydney Gardens and beyond, considering people, plants and placenames, sensing lives and tracing presences. This 2 hour walk explores aspects of the reluctant heritage of slave-ownership and empire manifested in this verdant corner of a World Heritage City. This event is part of the Bathscape Walking Festival.  Find out more and reserve your free place here.

Walk & Talk for those with memory loss and their carers - Tuesday 17th September from 11.00am to 12.30pm

Come along for an enjoyable and relaxing wander around the park taking in the fascinating natural and historic heritage of this beautiful green space.  This event is part of the Bathscape Walking Festival. Find out more and reserve your free place here.

Mindfulness Walk - Wednesday 18th September from 6.00pm to 7.00pm

Interested in learning about Mindfulness? Take time in green space with Huw Griffiths of Mindfulness Bath. This event is part of the Bathscape Walking Festival. Find out more and reserve your free place here.

Nature Tots - Outdoor Parent & Toddler Group, Mondays from October 7th

Bring your under-5s along to explore Sydney Gardens and discover the magic of autumn, led by Rowan Wynne-Jones of Dig & Delve, with Crafts - Stories - Play - Nature - Songs.

Mondays : 10am—11.30am : 7th, 14th & 21st October & 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th November

These sessions are FREE of charge and have been organized specially for parents and carers who haven’t had the chance to take their toddlers to outdoor play before.  Go to Eventbrite for further details. 

Archaeology GPR survey - drop in and have a look! - Monday 28th October, 10.00am - 3.00pm

The project Archaeologist Susana Parker is working with SUMO Services undertaking a first stage Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey on the area near the park's main entrance. Don't miss the chance to see under the ground on the radar screen - they'll be searching for spaces that may indicate finds.  The team will be based in the Gardener's Lodge and near the Bathwick entrance. 
Drop in between 10am and 3pm. All ages welcome. Ask for Susanna Parker or Richard Fleming.

Cameraless Film Workshop: make an organic looped film collage in Sydney Gardens - Saturday 2nd November, 10.30am - 12.30pm OR 1.30pm - 4.00pm

Join us for a free experimental workshop making organic films by hand without a camera in a workshop led by James and Arepo (Frome Film Farm).  This workshop uses 16mm motion picture film as a canvas to embed organic material which becomes a moving natural film collage when looped through the projector, enabling participants to make personal and experimental films by hand. The film loops made will have the leaves of Sydney Gardens in them!  Further details and book your free place here.

A History of Georgian Pleasure - a talk with author Lucy Inglis - Thursday 14th November, 7.00pm - 8.00pm

The Georgians were the first British people to have a concept of leisure and personal freedom. Sources tell us about the ways they viewed sexual pleasure and relationships and strived to live in ways true to themselves. This talk addresses these details of leisure, and pleasure in the long eighteenth century. Lucy Inglis is a historian, novelist, speaker, television presenter and voice in the radio. Don't miss what promises to be a fascinating talk. 

This is a Sydney Gardens Project and Holburne Museum partnership event.

How To Make A Podcast - training workshop with Eliza Lomas - Friday 22nd November, 10.30am - 5.00pm

Over the park restoration project, we will be creating podcasts about the past and present of Sydney Gardens.  And to do that, we need to learn how ...
Take part in this free one day workshop. After the training, we will be inviting participants to help create short podcasts with us in 2020, with further training available. Limited capacity and you'll need your own laptop. Book your place here.

Traversing Sydney Gardens and beyond, making the return - Sunday 24th November, 9.30am - 12 noon

Artist and investigative walker Richard White leads an exploratory walk traversing Sydney Gardens and beyond, considering people, plants and placenames, sensing lives and tracing presences. This 2 hour walk explores aspects of the reluctant heritage of slave-ownership and empire manifested in this verdant corner of a World Heritage City. Reserve your free place here.

Sydney Gardens' Trees - a lunchtime tour - Tuesday 26th November, 1pm - 1.50pm - part of National Tree Week

Learn about the magnificent trees in Sydney Gardens in this lunchtime walk and talk, led by James Nash (Tree Officer, Parks Service, B&NES Council).  You will find out about the different species in the park including the London Planes, the Giant Sequoia and our special champion trees. Reserve your free place here.

 

Watch our short video celebrating Heritage Open Days in Sydney Gardens in 2019 - featuring the Jane Austen Costumed Parade, the FoSG Community Day and The Park Keepers Model Railway of Sydney Gardens!


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