This series of three nature gardens is situated on the Highbury Quadrant Estate and managed by Elizabeth House Community Centre. They are a great example of what can be achieved on small patches of underused land when communities come together and work in unity.
Created during the pandemic, the gardens were designed, developed and are looked after by local people. The aim was to improve biodiversity and increase opportunities for local residents, living on or near to this densely populated estate, to access gardening and nature-based activities including Forest School activities for families with young children.
The nature garden group have planted a mini-meadow, installed accessible permeable pathways, developed new food growing spaces, built wildlife habitats, planted flowers for pollinators, planted bulbs, fruiting shrubs and berries, installed a community shed and secure tool store, and planted a small orchard. Soil regeneration is key to the success of the project, so there is a well-used composting area and wormery.
This hidden gem in the heart of Stoke Newington is a community food growing space, and part of Peter Bedford Housing Association's wellbeing programme.
A silver medal winner at the Chelsea Flower Show 2024, the garden was relocated to Freedom from Torture's London Therapy Centre, where it is being used for horticultural and other therapies for survivors of torture. Guides available. Refreshments.
Community garden located on a former railway embankment. Features include a lawn, herbaceous borders, extensive woodland, an orchard, wildflower meadow, a wildlife pond, fruit and vegetable growing, and a greenhouse.
