Garden sowing the seeds of better future in the face of the global ecological crisis

By Linus Day

Friends and guardians of a vibrant oasis of wildlife amidst looming tower blocks believe they have created the ideal blueprint for combating urban pollution and improving mental health.

Walworth Garden, a community-run charity in Manor Place operating since 1997, is a buzzing with birds and bees. Rows of evergreen shrubs, bright flowers, and leafy green plants stretch over narrow pathways.

Dotted around the plot are greenhouses filled with budding seedlings and edible plants, ponds teeming with aquatic life and impressive apple trees. Walking into the garden feels like stepping out of the busy Central London streets into another world, one much calmer and cleaner.

Walworth Garden began as Walworth City Farm in 1987, founded on abandoned land after the demolition of a Victorian terrace.

Chief executive Oli Haden said: “Nature doesn’t move as quickly as we do and that’s why it’s good for our mental health. Nature’s not moving like you, so settle yourself, get a little humble.”

Walworth Garden exemplifies the importance of grassroots action in combating climate change – issues raised at the recent Cop29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, where the need to accelerate emission reductions and increase climate funding was emphasised.

Claire Narraway, research manager for Naturehood – a community project from Earthwatch Europe that works on reversing wildlife decline, has stressed the importance of community involvement in environmental initiatives.

She said: “I think it’s really nice that COP have said that the indigenous and traditional community voices are integral, because we know that there’s more and more evidence that tree planting initiatives are much less likely to succeed if they don’t have community buy-in and community involvement early on.”

Walworth Garden collaborates with City and Guilds to allow it to award level 2 horticultural qualifications. The garden welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, offering valuable education and community building.

Speaking about the garden’s mission, Mr Haden said: “It’s all about education, isn’t it always about that?” Walworth Garden, he says, nurtures grassroots environmental stewardship.

Pictured top: Oli Haden in one of the garden greenhouses (Picture: Nelly Batt)