About the garden

The garden and statue, designed by award winning designer John Everiss, features a sculpture of a young pilot looking up at the sky. Standing at four metres tall and constructed from 1,200 layers of laser cut stainless steel, the contemporary statue is a powerful and moving tribute to all those who have served and continue to serve in the military, regardless of their nationality.

Funding for the garden was provided by Project Giving Back, a support scheme that gives charities the opportunity to exhibit a garden at the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show; where the garden first launched as the RAF Benevolent Fund Garden in 2022.

Following it’s showcase at the event, the garden was relocated to a permanent site here at London Biggin Hill Airport and renamed the Strongest Link Garden – honouring the former RAF base’s role as Sir Winston Churchill’s ‘Strongest Link’ during the Battle of Britain.

The garden, located just off Churchill Way by our Lookout Coffee Shop, is a freely accessible space of reflection and remembrance for all its visitors.

Introducing John Everiss, the Garden Designer

Born in London and now based in Lancashire, John is an accomplished garden designer and sculptor of over 30 years. His involvement with the Strongest Link Garden is particularly poignant as his Father, Stan, served in the Royal Air Force as a navigator on Stirling bombers and survived being shot down over occupied France in 1943. Find out more in the video.

It’s not about the medals, it’s not about the thank yous, but it’s nice to be remembered

Squadron Leader Geoffrey Wellum DFC

This garden evokes the rich history of Biggin Hill, which my great grandfather called his ‘Strongest Link’. I’m absolutely thrilled that the veterans are being remembered in this way; this marvellous statue, of the pilot scanning the sky and awaiting the call of duty, set in this beautiful garden really gives people the opportunity to say, we salute you.

Randolph Churchill, great grandson of Sir Winston Churchill

Whilst London Biggin Hill Airport has a clear vision to become London’s pre-eminent business aviation airport and a leading centre for technology and enterprise, we remain conscious and proud of the role this famous airfield has played in our country’s past.

The Strongest Link Garden will help ensure that we continue to tell the story of the Battle of Britain to future generations. John’s impressive sculpture and commemorative garden stands abeam the main approach of our runway, providing an iconic gateway to the modern airport.

David Winstanley, Chief Executive Officer, London Biggin Hill Airport

I’m so thrilled The Strongest Link Garden has found a permanent home at London Biggin Hill after the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It’s absolutely the perfect place for our pilot sculpture to be; looking up to the sky as the Spitfires take off in front of it. It’s very humbling to be able to play a small part in commemorating the Battle of Britain story and historic role of London Biggin Hill Airport.

John Everiss, the Garden Design

A reflection by Flt Lt (Ret’d) Colin S Bell DFC AE FRICS

“As a World War Two veteran, having served as a Mosquito pilot in the Pathfinders of Bomber Command, one of my last major missions is to do all that I can to help promote and preserve the legacy of all those who have served in pursuit of peace and freedom, at what-ever time in history.

John Everiss’ masterpiece garden is an inspiring, evocative and reflective tribute to all those who have sacrificed so much and those that continue to serve. I resoundingly congratulate everyone involved with this exceptional project for bringing to life all these values in such a profound and contemplative way.”

The Strongest Link Garden gallery

Photographs documenting the garden’s journey from RHS Chelsea Flower Show to its relocation, rebuild and official opening at London Biggin Hill Airport.