The idea
Following the isolation of 2020, we want to use 2021 to re-engage and uplift the community, whilst sharing skills and information on nature, art, health & wellbeing.
We will install a used shipping container converted to serve as a learning space and hub for garden users and the community. Working with volunteers, we'll add solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system, a green roof and exterior living walls.
Once complete, we’ll put together a schedule of new activities and events for all age groups that embody the essence of community gardening. These will include building raised beds for community use and building a cob oven for cooking garden produce.
*We are awaiting final permission to install the shipping container. No funds will be transferred to the project until this permission is confirmed.*
What we'll deliver
- Buy and install a container that allows for community workshops and teaching to take place regardless of weather
- Design and build a rainwater harvesting system, living wall and green roof
- Provide a new space that community groups can use on an ongoing basis
- Build two new raised beds
- Install a large outdoor cob oven
- Curate a programme of public free access and ‘pay what you can’ events for the community
- Engage and hire local artists and businesses to collaborate with us
- Start a regular garden stall to sell produce, plants and donated items
- Provide skill sharing, training and volunteering opportunities
- Install a solar panel system to store renewable energy
Why it's a great idea
Establishing a new hub for locals that can act as a place of respite and fun in and amongst nature. Up to 48% of local residents do not have access to a garden (ONS).
Re-engaging and uplifting the community with vibrant, inviting family friendly events and ongoing opportunities to connect after periods of isolation and loneliness.
Bringing together and celebrating the many different social and cultural groups in the borough to re-establish the benefits of London’s multi-ethnic population.
Supporting local artists and business. Over 70% of the self employed workforce expect to lose more than 50% of their income due to the impact of COVID19 (Oxford Economics).
Providing participants with the tools to appreciate and focus on health and wellbeing after a traumatic period.
Making activities free access or ‘pay what you can’ will ensure accessibility to all, this is important as Southwark has a higher than average poverty rate and higher income inequality. (Trust for London).
Steps to get it done
- Buying a used shipping container, clearing relevant garden space and receiving delivery- June 2021
- Converting the container - adding necessary carpentry and garden specific features - June 2021
- Installing the container green roof and living walls - June 2021
- Installing container solar panel system - June 2021
- Designing and building rainwater harvesting system June 2021
- Recruit additional volunteering roles June 2021(ongoing)
- Confirming facilitators and specific needs for the workshop sessions - May - June 2021 (ongoing
- Publish workshop programme - June 2021
- Host workshops and activities in summer/autumn 2021 July - October
- Build cob oven with workshop volunteers - August 2021
- Building raised beds - August 2021
- Committee to draw up and agree terms for ongoing usage of space for community groups and individuals
In addition, the adding of an indoor classroom space will enable us to work towards official certification of our current food growing course and the creation of a permaculture course. As well as being a Green Flag Community Award winner, we are currently certified as a Permaculture Association Land Centre.
At present we give the majority of our produce to the local foodbank. We would like to explore the possibility of produce being chosen & collected directly from the garden as well as ensuring anyone who would like to can be involved in the growing process.
