The Quiet Garden Movement is a network of outdoor spaces and gardens spread across both rural and urban locations worldwide. These outdoor spaces are used for prayer, contemplation, stillness and rest for the spiritual, mental and physical well-being of individuals, groups and communities.
The Quiet Garden Movement is committed to, and inspired by, its Christian roots. However, those involved in the Movement come from a variety of traditions and cultures, and access to outdoor spaces and gardens is available to individuals and communities of all faiths and none. As such, the gardens are found in a variety of settings including private homes, churches, schools, hospitals, community gardens, prisons, retreat centres and woodland burial grounds.
Each Quiet Garden offers something a little different. One garden may provide a dedicated, free of charge space where you can just ‘drop in’ at a time to suit you, any day, all year round. Another garden may run low-cost events, such as quiet days or retreats, where you may be required to book your place in advance. And yet another may be set up as a labyrinth garden, offering the opportunity for a prayerful or meditative walk for those who follow the labyrinth’s path. Some Quiet Gardens are only accessible by those who are part of that particular community, such as gardens provided in schools, prisons or hospitals. All Quiet Gardens are owned and run locally by the host with ongoing support from the Quiet Garden Movement.
Below are listed some of the Quiet Gardens situated in Ely Diocese. For more information on Quiet Gardens, both in Ely Diocese and further afield, visit the Quiet Gardens website: https://quietgarden.org/.
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Ramsey Quiet Garden is a quiet refuge close to Ramsey town centre. Managed by the Quiet Garden for Ramsey Project for the benefit of local people and wildlife. The garden is run on a not-for-profit basis. Structured Quiet Mornings are held regularly, throughout the year. |
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The Watershed Quiet Garden has an all year round “Summer House” with a living roof, overlooking the Great River Ouse near St Ives, Cambridgeshire. Set in a private garden in a residential area, the summer house has comfortable cushioned garden wicker furniture, is fully double-glazed and has an electric heater, so can be used in all weathers. Traffic and sounds from neighbouring properties may be heard, nevertheless it is a very peaceful spot, and a beautiful place to spend time enjoying God’s creation – you may even catch sight of a kingfisher or one of the seals that frequent the nearby Earith Marina. Up to four people can be accommodated for a self-directed retreat for anything from a couple of hours to all day. Refreshments can be provided on request. A fifteen minute ‘wind down’ spiritual mindfulness session is offered for the start of your visit, particularly recommended for those who find it hard to switch off, or are unused to being quiet and still. https://quietgarden.org/gardens/the-watershed/
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Peterborough Quaker Meeting House is a still pool of quiet in a restless city, with a large, beautiful and peaceful garden. The Meeting House and its garden are an oasis of tranquillity. Parts of the garden symbolise the Quaker testimonies of Peace, Truth, Equality, Simplicity and Sustainability. The garden’s labyrinth offers the opportunity for prayerful walking and contemplation. https://quietgarden.org/gardens/peterborough-quaker-meeting-house/ |
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The Glebe The back garden overlooks the beautiful rural countryside of South Cambridgeshire with the final rise of the Chilterns some 11 miles distant with uninterrupted views. Birdsong, wildlife and different areas to sit in the garden and find peaceful reflection away from interruptions. A 100 acre agricultural field is beyond my boundary with crop rotation. A small wildlife pond is new this year, and plenty of plants in the garden to attract bees and pollinators. A small summerhouse, ‘The Shack’ has two comfy armchairs, a leg rest, and bookcase with useful books, is also available especially if the weather is cold/wet. |
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