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Stockwell Urban Oasis

Funded on Spacehive 13 February 2013

Impact data and claims within this report are provided by the project creator and have not been independently verified by Spacehive.

Stockwell Urban Oasis

Stockwell Urban Oasis

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We want to create an inspiring and educational "forest garden" with a strong focus on adventure. A place where children from surrounding communities can learn and play together.

Lambeth Delivery stage

55
backers
£1,906
raised
funded icon
This project was funded on 13 Feb 2013!

Our original plan was to plant an orchard. But we thought the site had a lot more potential so we decided to create a forest garden. Forest gardens have been around for thousands of years, but they're not part of our cultural heritage so the term is unfamiliar to most people (for more info see: http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/what-is-a-forest-garden).

We're going to create a leafy wilderness to provide an exciting play area where kids can learn about biodiversity and agriculture. They'll be able to see first hand how nature works and how species interact with each other. As well as nurturing a wealth of plant and animal life in the garden, we'll build an exciting tree house hideout, made entirely from recycled materials.

What we'll deliver:

  • Set up a rainwater collection system
  • Build a rambling tree house designed by a local artists collective
  • Create a new pond area
  • Create a shady walkway lined by berry bushes
  • Create hugel planting mounds
  • Lay a network of winding paths to provide access for bicycles and wheelchairs
  • Plant a diverse mix of trees and plants
  • Plant a willow coppice

Why it's a great idea:

By revitalising this dead space we can create a fun and playful environment which will engage children and provide a hands-on learning experience. The low-maintenance garden will also produce a high yield of edible and useful plants in addition to re-nourishing the soil structure.

We want to encourage local adults to get involved too - by helping out with gardening or getting involved with projects for the children. This should help the playground become a destination for all generations to enjoy.

There’s a huge wealth of great things we can do with this space - like holding cooking, planting or harvesting days - and we’re certain that lots of people will want to volunteer and get involved.

Steps to get it done:

  • Buy trees, shrubs, and plants from the Agroforestry Research Trust
  • Install rainwater butts and systems from Smiths of the Forest of Dean Ltd (recycled tanks)
  • Commission local artists "Giant Robots" to build the tree house using recycled materials
  • Plant trees and shrubs and dig the pond area using volunteers

We’ll be giving the garden extra individuality through some extra-sensory adventure. The recycled tree house, being designed by artist collective Giant Robots (http://www.giantrobots.co.uk), will be a multi-functional, visually stunning play space. It will be a fun treetop cubbyhole to watch the wildlife whilst also providing a structure for plants to grow on.

Everything will be completely natural and environmentally friendly - from our gardening practices to the materials used for building - ensuring it’s all in harmony with nature.

Location Lambeth

About the space

A large adventure playground site in Stockwell.

Council

London Borough of Lambeth

How will the money be spent?Total £2,878

Tree house - £1,000 (35%)
Plants - £500 (17%)
Compost - £480 (17%)
Trees - £300 (10%)
Pond area - £300 (10%)
Waterbutts - £100 (3%)
Other - £198 (7%)

Costs Breakdown

This shows how money raised for the project will be spent. These costs have been confirmed by the project's Delivery Manager and verified.

35%
Tree house
£1,000
17%
Plants
£500
17%
Compost
£480
10%
Trees
£300
10%
Pond area
£300
3%
Waterbutts
£100
7%
Other Read More
£198
  • Spacehive fees
    £101
  • Transaction Fees
    £77
  • VAT
    £20

Total £2,878

Our Volunteer List

We're currently looking for people to offer skills and time to develop our project! Check out the list of what we need below and then use the 'Volunteer' button to the right to get involved.

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