This community garden for residents of a council block in London SE5 was created by de-paving 270 square meters of tarmac. With a limited budget, Loughborough Junction Action Group (LJAG) and the London Wildlife Trust collaborated with block residents and local volunteers to bring the project to life.
The garden now serves as a sanctuary for both residents and wildlife, offering spaces for growing food, socializing, outdoor cooking, a fish pond, a wildlife pond and a grassy lawn. The design divides the space into three distinct areas, ensuring the privacy of ground-floor residents. Repurposed materials such as waste timber, re-imagined furniture, and discarded objects are incorporated into a lush landscape filled with fruit trees, vegetables, and herbaceous borders, encouraging people to gather, share, and meet their neighbors.
A standout feature of the garden is a striking mural of a lesser spotted woodpecker, painted by artist ATM, representing a bird species that might have once inhabited the area. Additionally, a sculptural bee hotel was created during a gathering to commemorate a beloved local resident who frequented the garden. Using ornaments from her home, holes were drilled into the timber to house solitary bees and insects, allowing her memory to contribute to the garden’s pollination efforts.
The garden is used for community events, from children’s birthday parties to barbecues among friends. Though primarily a residents’ garden, passers-by and those interested are welcomed to participate. The project is connected to the Loughborough Farm project, further enriching the local community.
