We want to provide a home for our local community to connect with nature and each other. To do this we will transform some empty and unloved waste land into a creative Community Garden. Through this space we want to help people discover new skills, particularly as they reconnect with food and nature. We also want to encourage biodiversity, and create a new home for local insects and wildlife. This will be an asset created by and for our neighbours, with space to grow, cook and eat together. We’d like to create a space where local children can learn about planting and wildlife through getting their hands dirty, as well as providing opportunities for the elderly and isolated to come and meet new people. From the start of the project we want to provide education and training through volunteering for people who wouldn’t access these opportunities elsewhere, including a special school and young people. We are working with a celebrated garden designer Karen Rogers but we need your help too!

What we'll deliver:

• Transform a wasted space into a community asset.
• Provide a space for neighbours to grow food and plants together.
• Create a space that is open and accessible, with ramps and disabled access.
• An outdoor eating area, with seating, cooking and food growing facilities.
• Quiet space within the site for peace and enjoyment of nature.
• Provide opportunities for volunteering, training and education.
• Raise awareness of environmental issues, and offer practical solutions within the community.

Why it's a great idea:

Mill Hill East is a thriving and diverse area, however in amongst rapid growth there is a need for more community connections and local assets. This space will provide a beautiful and creative hub for different parts of our community to care for their environment and to help shape their local area. It will also help to bring together all the diverse elements within our community through offering a new gathering space, as well as volunteering and learning opportunities. This garden will provide an open and inviting space for families to grow and discover together, particularly in an area where children and young people don’t always have access to facilities and programs. Many of the senior members of our community can feel very isolated and alone. This project will provide not just a new accessible social space, but the space to learn skill skills, put old ones into practice, or pass on their knowledge to others in the community.

Steps to get it done:

• Clearing the site
• Starting construction
• Finishing the entrance and disabled ramp
• Finishing the paved and BBQ areas
• Finishing paths and planters
• Planting
• Enjoying the fruits of our labour!

Amongst other partners, we are linking up with Dollis Infants and Juniors schools, Canada Villa youth centre, Copthall school, and Oak Lodge Special school. They are looking forward to encouraging their pupils to engage with gardening and learn new skills and get involved. We are very much hoping that the skills that people learn through helping and supporting us in the community garden will be skills for life. Such as planning, patience, resilience, team work, budgeting and growing food.