Hollywood star Joely Richardson – known for her roles in The Patriot and Nip/Tuck – swapped acting for gardening to help with a community project in Kent.
The 60-year-old, who also starred in 101 Dalmations and The Tudors, visited Margate to meet the team behind The Windmill Community Gardens.
The allotment project is funded by Save the Children – a charity known for improving the well-being of youngsters and for which Richardson is an ambassador.
The project in Dane Valley Road helps children by carrying out activities like growing food and spending time in nature.
Keen gardener Ms Richardson – whose upcoming roles include Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and the second series of Netflix’s The Gentleman – says she was extremely heartened to see its impact first-hand.
She explained: “Getting your hands muddy and being in the fresh air is so important.
“This incredible growing group in Margate is feeding children’s curiosity, supporting their mental well-being and improving their early learning – all whilst being in the great outdoors.
“It’s clear to see the children here enjoy the feeling of exploring their surroundings and the reward from nurturing new seedlings and seeing them grow.
“Their parents have noticed such a difference in the children and have also hugely benefited from the opportunity to grow plants and food.
“It’s an extraordinary project where everyone can learn and be nourished.”
Ms Richardson has acting in her blood – her parents are actress Vanessa Redgrave and director Tony Richardson, and she is the granddaughter of actors Sir Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson, Lady Redgrave.
Her sister, actress Natasha Richardson, sadly died in 2009 from a head injury after a skiing accident.
Save the Children says Margate is one of the most socially deprived areas in the south east of England, with statistics last month revealing there are 9,862 children living in poverty across Thanet – which is 34.5% of children in the area.
One of the parents Ms Richardson – whose brother-in-law is actor Liam Neeson – met was Matt and his daughter Daisy.
The dad credits the stay and play group at the allotment as pivotal.
He said: “Projects like this that get children outside of the house, are really important in these sorts of communities.
“They help provide a great start in any child’s life. People from all different communities come to this group and it’s really important for those who don’t have outdoor space for their children.
“It has increased Daisy’s interest in outdoor education and we have also noticed a change in her eating habits.
“A couple of weeks ago they made little salad baskets and when we got home Daisy wanted salad in her sandwiches. That was a big milestone.”
