Final fundraising efforts ensure the go ahead for the building of the Japanese Peace Garden!

Rebecca Bollands, who is working with Graham Hardman from the Japanese Garden Society to realise the Coventry Peace Garden, has said that there is now sufficient funding for the garden build to go ahead!

The project had already received significant funding support from Coventry City Council and the National Lottery Awards for All and some other funders, but was lacking about a fifth of the funds necessary to ensure the garden build.

A huge effort followed from Between the Stones supporters and sponsors to raise a substantial part of the final sums needed to ensure the garden build can go ahead. We are especially grateful to Mitsubishi Corporation, Corporate Management Support Office (EMEA), the Japan Society and other Between the Stones supporters, who feel that the garden is a wonderful legacy that has the potential to benefit local, national and international visitors for many years to come. They are all especially moved by the project because it is inspired by work with the next generation, the children of Coventry, and this, plus the ‘Islands of Peace’ focus of the garden, sends a hugely significant message to everyone.

While the main garden build can go ahead there are still a few featured items that could be added so do contact us if you would like to make a contribution to the establishment of the UK’s first Japanese Peace Garden inspired by children!

Our thanks to all sponsors and contributors for your wonderful vision and belief in this project!

Coventry Japanese Peace Garden being planned for construction!

Detailed planning for construction of the Coventry Japanese Peace Garden is under way (June 2020) with the intention of being able to start work when the lifting of the lockdown allows.

The aim is to finish construction in time for the start of Coventry’s role as UK City of Culture in May 2021. Coincidentally, 2021 will also be the 100th anniversary of the Coventry War Memorial Park where the Japanese Peace Garden will be located!

We will provide regular updates on the final fundraising efforts, the development and the completion of the garden and also when we will be able welcome you to join us to celebrate its opening!

The Coventry Young Ambassadors and the Between the Stones Project Team are delighted that their work has inspired this amazing project! They send their heartfelt thanks to the Japanese Garden Society, Rebecca Bollands and all those who have so kindly offered to plan, build, deliver and take care of the garden in the future! It will be a substantial collaboration project and a real demonstration of the spirit of the garden originally perceived as a result of the work with Coventry’s Young Ambassadors!

Coventry Young Ambassadors make their first visit to the proposed site for the Japanese Peace Garden

Coventry Young Ambassadors (including a number from the planning group) and their teachers visit the proposed site for the Japanese Peace Garden at the Coventry War Memorial Park, (near the enclosed area where the aviary is located).

Katie Croft from the Japanese Garden Society introduce the CYA to the proposed design for the Japanese Peace Garden which has been inspired by their ideas!