Last summer, we welcomed a group from London National City Park, for a tour of Chiswick House & Gardens and a painting workshop with Sangeeta Weatherly in the Kitchen Garden. Group leader Tarek spoke with us about his experience, talking about accessibility and the importance of nature.

“I’m a Hounslow Ranger for London National City Park, working with different organisations to bring people together through nature. There is always something happening in the community, from workshops to local events, and it is great to be part of that.

“I first got involved with Chiswick House and Gardens Trust through community sessions, and they later supported my accessibility project. That support meant a lot because people are often asked for their views, but nothing actually changes.

Everyone should have the chance to enjoy green spaces, but many parks are still not designed with everyone in mind.

“Accessibility in nature is really important to me. Everyone should have the chance to enjoy green spaces, but many parks are still not designed with everyone in mind. I wanted to create something that helped people share their experiences and be heard.

I found it inspiring to see how residents that cannot talk answer my questions and connect with others through this medium. 

“The art session we developed with Sangeeta was very special and great fun. She did a fantastic job in promoting accessibility via painting. I found it inspiring to see how residents that cannot talk answer my questions and connect with others through this medium. I also could not believe how many people turned up on the day. It was really impressive.

Nature needs to be heard. It is a type of exercise.

“Nature needs to be heard. It is a type of exercise. I find so much joy in nature, especially in some of the more difficult moments in my life. The real connections that I have made with people, both at National City Park and Chiswick House & Gardens Trust, have brought me so many friendships. It really does mean a lot.

There is always something happening in the community, from workshops to local events, and it is great to be part of that.