Garden of England art and planters launch, Ashford International Station, 27 March 2026 .
After completing their inspirational ‘Welcome to Ashford’ pots at the front of the station and 64 Railway 200 decals in the underpass of the station it was time for the primary pupils and college students to turn their attention to the platforms. On Fri 27 March Kent CRP, Southeastern and Ashford College hosted a launch event for the amazing art and planters installed on platform 5&6.
The theme of the project was, ‘The Garden of England’. The rousing title inspired students to enter the college competition to design artwork to enhance their adopted station environment. The once dull and dingy 8 meter long eye sore of an electrical box is now the perfect location for the stimulating art pieces submitted by the winners of the art competition Liz and Jack. “I’m so happy that it’s up what a beautiful display.” Liz Quinn – Flower art piece. “I was a bit nervous as it’s such a big responsibility. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.” Jack Pellet – Kent countryside with Windmill art piece.
Primary school children from East Stour Primary School submitted 400 individually coloured butterflies which adorn the once dull grey and uninspiring passenger shelter on platform 5&6. Mrs Sadler, teacher said, “We are a really proud community to be asked along with our partners Ashford College. Their butterflies will live on for many years. The children are so happy.”
The grand launch included the artists Liz and Jack from Ashford College with their parents and Art Tutor Paul Hodge, Sophie Sadler from East Stour Primary School with pupils Harrison and Sara, Southeastern’s Matt Fraser (Community Relations Manager) and Anthony Shaw (Internal Communications Partner), Kent Community Rail Partnerships (CRP) Chair Chris Fribbins and Kent Downs Line Chair Clive English.
A huge thank you to collaborators on this project with Kent CRP, Jo Brown Assistant Principal Ashford College and Kyle Miller Ashford International’s Station Manager. A huge thank you to Richard Archer, Commercial Director at Cactus Graphics Ltd for his patience and expertise in always finishing our projects on time even when he’s working up until the last minute – we really appreciate your dedication and professionalism to getting our projects completed on time.
Thanks also go to all students who participated in the competition and contributed butterfly pictures and to all teachers and tutors who support them every day. Thank you to Cllr Dennis Spooner who attended to show support and to all of our fantastic commuters and leisure travellers who praised the students and their art and who showed appreciation for the great effort made to improve their platform environment whilst waiting for their trains. Last but not least thank you to Kyle and colleagues who arranged for the planters to be placed on the platforms half full of soil (a very hefty ordeal!) and to the students who finished filling them and planting them up so beautifully with spring flowers. In keeping with the theme passengers were delighted to join in the launch celebration whilst being treated to produce from the Garden of England, Kent Crisps and Biddenden apple juice.
Thank you to Community Rail Network for funding the art through a Community Rail Delivery Fund £5,262 and for funding the launch event including the giveaway produce and some of the plants through a Small Grants Fund £1,000. Thank you to Southeastern for the £350 Commuter and Community Investment Fund contribution towards the top up soil and plants.
Watch this space – Ashford Collage students are awaiting 4 extra large boards to be installed in the platform underpass to display 4 extra large pieces of student art in a living gallery – the art will be on rotation!
