WWII bomb site used as ‘urban oasis’ for residents to grow own crops

A Second World War bomb site that was transformed into an urban “oasis” can now be used by nearby flat-dwellers to grow their own crops.

Vauxhall City Farm, which was originally built on the bomb site after the war, in Tyers Street, Vauxhall, has launched a new programme of workshops for adults and schoolchildren.

The programme aims to teach residents in the area about where their food comes from and offer a hands-on experience of growing their own crops.

The scheme will also offer after-school clubs and a summer holiday programme where children will get a healthy meal and learn about sustainability, composting and animal welfare.

The work is being funded by a £95,000 grant from City Bridge Foundation – London’s biggest independent charity funder.

The farm – one of the first of its kind in London – opened its doors for the first time in 1977 with “a few vegetable plants and a couple of goats”, according to chief executive Monica Tyler.

She said: “We’re in a very urban area where most people live in flats, and everyone who comes here says how great it is to find a green oasis like this right in the middle of a city.

“A lot of the kids around here think tomatoes come from Tesco’s. When they come to the farm, they learn about where their food comes from, grow their own stuff and develop lots of new skills.

“Coming here improves people’s health and wellbeing because they learn about healthy eating, but there’s also a therapeutic benefit from being in nature and around animals.”

Pictured top: Vauxhall City Farm, chief executive Monica Tyler (Picture: Vauxhall City Farm)