Trees are a real community that help each other, us humans and the planet.

Join Tony Kirkham as he shares the special trees that he has met on his travels around the world during his 43 years as Head of the Arboretum, Gardens and Horticultural Services at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. From Taiwan to China, North America to South America; along with a few in the UK he will share his passion and knowledge in this fully illustrated and lively talk. He will also discuss topical issues about growing trees.

Tony Kirkham studied at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on the 3-year Diploma course, before becoming Head of the Arboretum, Gardens and Horticultural Services. He was responsible for the management and curation of over 14,000 trees and the hardy shrub collections. After 43 years service, for which Tony received an MBE and the VMH, he retired in July 2021.

Tony is an author of many books and papers on trees and lectures in the UK and overseas on the subject, alongside making regular television and radio appearances.

He is on the RHS Council, chairs the Woody Plant Committee, is a trustee of Chelsea Physic Garden, chairing the garden advisory committee, the IDS and TROBI.

Sunken Garden Eco Fair 2025 is a day filled with educational workshops and inspiring discussions focused on sustainability and environmental conservation.

Sunday 21 September 2025, 11.00 to 4.30pm

We are offering a price range for tickets, as Sunken Garden Society is a not-for-profit grass-roots community group, lead and run by volunteers. All ticket fees will go towards the cost of the Fair and the upkeep of the Garden, please choose the option that you feel suits your situation best.

Established in 2018 the Sunken Garden Society is a volunteer community group formed to assist the local council in the management and revival of this historic garden. The society run regular Community Gardening Days and events to promote the garden.

A big thank you to all the Sunken Garden supporters including Kent Community Foundation, Mayor of Margate Fund, CoOp and Thanet District Council

How to get to the Sunken Garden

Roads: the garden is situated just of Royal Esplanade, accessible from the A28 (Canterbury Road). Free parking along the roadside or pay and display in Barnes Avenue carpark located below the garden at the undercliff

Buses: The number 8, 8A, 8X, 932 and 34 bus routes run along Westbrook Avenue with stops at Tyson Avenue, Bridge Crossing and Cliff Avenue. Requiring a 2 to 5 minute walk to the Garden

Trains: Alight at Westgate on Sea or Margate train station, both require an approximate 20 minute walk or 5 minute bus ride

Kent Costal route, Viking Coastal Trail, King Charles III Coastal Path: The garden is situated on top of the chalk cliffs that run alongside the engineered concrete sea defence and coastal promenade

Sunken Garden Eco Fair: Trees, a cut above the Rest with Tony Kirkham