Aldersbrook Action Residents Association, based on the Brading Crescent estate, are working to turn a patch of wasteland at the back of the estate into a community garden for our residents and neighbours to enjoy and take part in. The space is currently an anti social behaviour and fly tipping hot spot and has been left derelict for over 15 years. Creating the garden will reduce crime in the area and give us a beautiful shared space to grow, learn and socialise. Working with the Council we have secured the basics for making the site safe and accessible. Through this project we want to go above and beyond to shape the space and get the expert support, tools, plants, seeds and furniture we need to make it a thriving social and environmental asset in our community. We will work to make the garden accessible and inclusive to ensure residents with disabilities or SEND of all ages will be able to take part and enjoy it.

What we'll deliver:

• Planning session/s with the community to shape the garden and planting
• Seating areas within the garden for socialising
• Opportunities for organisations including school, Church and Care Homes to use the space for community activities
• Planted out, sustainable garden with water storage and compost facilities
• Tools for volunteers and secure storage for the site
• A launch party for the garden to introduce it to our community and achieve maximum reach

Why it's a great idea:

Reduction in crime, fly tipping and anti social behaviour in the area A new shared and accessible outdoor space for residents of all ages to enjoy and take part in boosting physical and mental health and providing a new leisure opportunity in the area. A new green space to support wildlife and bio diversity in the area Access to gardening and growing opportunities for residents with no access to outdoor space Opportunities for local horticulture experts to share their knowledge with the wider community Links with local primary school, care homes and other community organisations to support them to use and be involved in the garden Opportunities to build links with other community gardens and similar local interest groups to build a broader network of support and volunteering options. Opportunities for residents to eat food they have grown, enabling residents to reduce their food bill and carbon footprint. Surplus food will be donated to local food charities.

Steps to get it done:

• Clear and secure the site
• Build raised beds
• Run community planning session for planting out the garden
• Plant up beds
• Build storage and put in seating areas
• Launch party
• Run community gardening workshops and opportunities for local school and other organisations to use the space

We hope to be as sustainable as possible, harvesting our own seeds after our initial start up and enabling residents to grow and eat their own produce. We have links with local charities and initiatives such as ‘Tin in a Bin’, ‘Leytonstone Community Fridge’ and ‘Farm Community Kitchen’ and any surplus produce will be donated to support these important initiatives.