Our Pastures Community Garden stands as a testament to community spirit, perseverance, and the transformative power of an incredible team of volunteers made up of people like local resident Tony Lobo.
Tony is part of a small group of passionate residents who live near the site in Leytonstone, North-East London who want to see more thriving community hubs like this. In just a few years, this group has turned a neglected piece of land into a lush green space and orchard filled with fruit trees and vibrant flowers.
The journey of this garden began in 2021, when a neglected plot of land nestled between two buildings was under threat; the council’s plan was to demolish it in favour of new housing. Recognising the importance of preserving community spaces, local residents launched the Save Our Pastures campaign. Their tireless efforts convinced the council to halt the demolition, highlighting the area’s vital role in fostering community cohesion and well-being.
The early stages of transforming the garden involved clearing the site, which was overrun with brambles and weeds. Initial funding from the council allowed the group to lay the groundwork. However, it was the partnership with The Orchard Project that truly accelerated the garden’s development. Financial assistance, along with invaluable training, long term planning support and event management, proved crucial for the volunteers, who mostly had little to no gardening experience.
Lizzie Pegler, our London project manager, played a significant role in mentoring the volunteers and guiding the development of the garden. So far the volunteers – affectionately known as The Gardening Gang – have installed a new path, a shed, and a composting area, and planted various fruit trees. Lizzie’s training sessions helped several volunteers become Orchard Leaders, enhancing their own knowledge and confidence in maintaining the garden and orchard long-term.
Some of the key species found on site include apple, pear, and cherry trees, which were chosen for their suitability to the local climate and contribution to biodiversity. The garden also features raised beds for herbs, enriching the community’s access to fresh produce.
On the same site is a cafe called Back to Ours, located in the Good Shepherd Studios, a CIC company that offers affordable coworking and creative workspace for the community and brings people to the site. As it’s in the centre of the buildings, the garden is the first thing visitors see when they walk through the main gates.
Our Pastures has become a vibrant gathering place, fostering connections among residents. The regular team of eight volunteers is bolstered by one-off helpers who join big events throughout the year, such as planting days and the yearly Wassail.
Without the volunteers the garden’s transformation wouldn’t have been possible, as they have not only created a beautiful area, but also a safe space where children and young people can learn and engage with nature. The group wants to focus more on creating activities for children, such as apple pressing and mosaic workshops, making the garden a lively and educational hub for local families to visit.
Following the success of the Save Our Pastures campaign, the group transitioned into a community organisation now known as Our Pastures and they now collaborate with Waltham Forest Council, various charities, sports groups, arts collectives, and other local entities to breathe new life into the site. These partnerships aim to enhance Leytonstone’s community, creative, and economic landscape.
If you’re looking to start up a similar project, the volunteers recommend building connections with established community gardens to gain insights and inspiration. Engaging with organisations like The Orchard Project early on can provide the necessary support and resources to navigate the initial challenges. Having a clear design plan, which Lizzie helped them to develop, also ensures the space is organised effectively for long-term sustainability.
Our Pastures is more than just a green space; it’s a beacon of community spirit and resilience. It demonstrates how local initiatives, supported by organisations like The Orchard Project, can reclaim and revitalise urban spaces. As more people get involved and the garden continues to flourish, it stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. The success of this project not only enhances the local environment but also strengthens community bonds, offering a model for other urban areas to emulate.
Find out more
Location: 15a Davies Lane, London, England, E11 3DR
Open: 7 days a week from 8am to 3.30pm
Get involved!
The garden is always looking for new recruits. If you’d like to support their work, you can join the garden volunteers on a Saturday or Sunday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Email the team gardening@ourpastures.org beforehand so they know to expect you, or simply turn up on the day.