one year on... - Islington Council

www.islington.gov.uk/edibleislington<strong>one</strong> <strong>year</strong> on...1

<strong>one</strong> <strong>year</strong> on...One <strong>year</strong> after the launch of Edible Islington, Islington Council’s campaign forfood growing, we celebrate its success and recognise the hard work of themany growing groups by looking at the impact it has had on Islington and itscommunities.In 2009, Islington Council launched Edible Islington, a £1 million campaign tosupport local communities to grow their own food. The campaign aimed to developopportunities for food growing across the borough, supporting the production of,and access to, locally produced food and promoting social wellbeing, healthy livingand sustainability.Food is integral to all our daily lives and has huge social, economic and environmentalimplications. Community food growing is becoming increasingly popular andacknowledged as a fun and cheap way of producing healthy food. There is a hugeinterest in community food growing in Islington. However, being <strong>one</strong> of the boroughswith the least amount of open space, it has never been easy to find large open areasfor growing food. The Edible Islington campaign funded and supported over 100projects across Islington to grow their own fruit and vegetables. These sites includedhousing estates, schools, shared gardens, universities, parks and the creation of anew allotment site for Islington.The project was delivered in partnership with Groundwork, St Luke’s Centre andCapital Growth. Community groups were able to apply for either a small grant (up to£3,000) or a large grant (up to £15,000) to set upand develop their food growing site. However, thecampaign was more than simply a grant scheme.In delivering Edible Islington, the council adopteda community development approach, supportinggroups not just financially but also to build theirknowledge and capacity. A range of groups -including those who didn’t have previous foodgrowing experience or who had never applied fora grant - were given the chance to develop a foodgrowing project. Small grants were administeredby Capital Growth and all those who receivedthese grants were supported by the CapitalGrowth scheme. Large grants were administeredby Groundwork and all those who made enquiriesregarding these grants were allocated a projectofficer from either Groundwork or St Luke’s Centreto visit the site, discuss ideas and help them withthe application process.2

Those who received grants were allocated a project officer who worked with thegroup to build their capacity, run sessions etc. to ensure that their food growing sitesgot off to the best possible start and were sustainable in the long run. It was foundthat this <strong>one</strong> to <strong>one</strong> support provided by allocated project officers was integral to theprogramme’s success.One <strong>year</strong> after the launch of the campaign, we have looked at the impact thecampaign has had on Islington and its people. Although <strong>one</strong> <strong>year</strong> is a short timeperiod for any growing project, the results have been impressive with many positiveoutcomes. Projects that started out simply to grow fruit and vegetables for theircommunity have had many unexpected added benefits.These have included vast improvements to their local environment, reduction incrime and anti-social behaviour, development of a sense of community, support toelderly, vulnerable and disabled residents and development of personal skills andeducational opportunities for young people and adults.Through projects, stories and experiences, this report looks at the impact EdibleIslington has had on its community under five themes:• Improving space in Islington• Getting to know the community• Supporting disabled, elderly and vulnerable communities• Creating safer neighbourhoods• Engaging young peopleThe success of the Edible Islington campaign has depended on all the groups thathave worked hard to make their projects a success. Each project has its own uniquestory. This legacy report recognises and celebrates their efforts and successes bysharing a handful of these stories. The aim of the report is to share these successeswith all the Edible Islington groups and provide inspiration to other groups that arethinking of starting their own food growing projects. The report also aims to highlightthat in addition to having bumper harvests of home grown fruits, vegetables andherbs, food growing can have many benefits to both individuals and the communityas a whole.3

A summary of what has been achievedThis section briefly compares what Edible Islingtoninitially set out to achieve with the project’s actualachievements.What did Edible Islingtonset out to achieve?(Objective)What has Edible Islington actually achieved?To increase the numberof food growing sitesacross the boroughEdible Islington helped set up over 100 food growing projects acrossIslington. These included:• a community allotment at Pollard Close with 27 new plots;• a large community garden at St Luke’s Community Centre;• 22 estate based projects which included social housing estates,housing estate garden sharing schemes and sheltered housing;• more than 25 community open space based projects whichincluded community centres, communal gardens, private gardensharing and orchards;• more than four food growing areas in parks;• three therapeutic gardens for the vulnerable and disabled;• 47 food growing sites in schools, nurseries and children’s centres;• two food growing projects in universities.In addition, over 90% of these sites set up a rain water harvestingand/or composting system for the site to ensure resource efficiency.Responses from our large grant recipients al<strong>one</strong> estimated that4,767m 2 of land had been improved through the projects. This islikely to be a massive underestimate as 41 more projects were set upthrough small grants.See appendix A for a list of Edible Islington projects.To increase the numberof residents engaged infood growing throughcommunity engagementIt is estimated that over 5,000 residents have been engaged in foodgrowing through the Edible Islington project.Detailed data available for the large grant projects estimate that3,070 people were engaged in just these 64 projects. Of these,2,162 were said to be young people.Engagement was well represented across all ethnicity groupsincluding white, black/Caribbean, Chinese, Asian, mixed andother groups. However these numbers are likely to be highlyunderestimated as many projects were unable to estimate thenumbers their project had engaged and several reported that therewere “too many to count”.4

What did Edible Islingtonset out to achieve?(Objective)What has Edible Islington actually achieved?To enable schools toestablish their own foodgrowing programmeslinked to the nationalcurriculum and healthyschools initiative41 schools have been supported to establish their own food growingprogrammes through either large or small grants. These schools haveintegrated their growing work into their curriculum through varioussubjects and clubs including gardening, art, mathematics etc.In addition, six nurseries/childcare providers, three children’s centres,two universities and <strong>one</strong> college have also been supported to establishtheir food growing programmes. The Garden Classroom,an educational programme funded through Edible Islington,supported three schools over several months to do more foodgrowing and helped staff and children to integrate food growing intotheir work programme.In addition, an Edible Islington project run by Global Generation,an organisation that supports young people to play a part in creatinga sustainable future, engaged a large number of children fromschools, housing estates and hostels for the homeless in a foodgrowing project.To establish a continuingprogramme of foodgrowing support andresourcing promotingnetworking and skillssharing, ensuring longterm sustainabilityand legacyWe are immensely proud of what the Edible Islington projects haveachieved through the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment ofthe many groups involved. Although the funding has closed, we arekeen to ensure that the food growing projects set up continue to run,yielding a bumper harvest <strong>year</strong> on <strong>year</strong> and providing many hours offun and enjoyment.The Edible Islington Networking event held on 17 March 2011by Capital Growth, in partnership with Edible Islington, providedan opportunity for Edible Islington groups to network and attendworkshops on food growing issues. In addition, a number of toolshave been set up for Edible Islington groups to use for networkingand sharing skills, which we hope will ensure long term sustainabilityfor the project. These include the Islington Master GardenersProgramme, a map of Edible Islington sites and an Edible Islingt<strong>one</strong>-platform on the ‘Project Dirt’ website, for groups to communicatewith each other. More information on these and other supportavailable is outlined at the end of this report.By working in partnership with several projects and organisationsincluding Capital Growth, Groundwork, St Luke’s Centre and manyother local organisations, we have strived to ensure that Islingtonis part of, and fits in with, wider food growing programmes acrossLondon.5

Improving space in IslingtonHigh quality open space is an essential part of a desirable place to live. Islington has thesecond lowest amount of open space of any Local Authority in the country. As a small butdensely populated borough, open space is highly valued but under increasing pressure.Several Edible Islington projects have successfully restored under-utilised, often derelictspaces by converting them into thriving food growing spaces. This section shares ahandful of these stories.# 1 Penn RoadThe impact of food growingThis section looks at the impact Edible Islington hashad on Islington and its communities throughanecdotes and stories shared by the projects.#1 (Number One) Penn Road is a small block of social housing flats with eight homes. A few <strong>year</strong>sago, <strong>one</strong> of the residents of #1, a keen gardener, set about transforming the large surroundinggardens through imaginative planting and a lot of hard work. The results received a lot of attentionfrom the residents of the flats as well as the street. After the keen gardener moved on, a numberof the remaining residents took over the maintenance and subsequently started to grow theirown vegetables. However, resources were limited and they could only create a limited number ofgrowing areas using single boards. With some assistance from the Penn Road Residents Association,the residents of #1 applied for, and were then overjoyed to receive, an Edible Islington grant. Theybought a new greenhouse, proper raised beds, a shed and tools, and followed their proposed planto improve and increase the food growing beds. This made maximum use of available space forefficient food production, which resulted in producing a bumper harvest for them. At the sametime, an outdoor study area was created and is now used by all the children in the flats. As a resultof this project, the garden has been transformed into a thriving food growing area and they arelooking forward to the <strong>year</strong>s of growing ahead.BeforeAfter“...”“This project has been great. It has saved us so much m<strong>one</strong>y as we can just come and pick ourThis has been a fantastic project for all of us at #1, as we watched the vegetables grow beforeour very eyes, then enjoy them. They are so much more delicious knowing they are fresh andwholesome and more important that we grew them. We’ve not only enjoyed the planning andbuilding, the planting and the eating, but also learnt book keeping and project monitoring.Jacqui, #1 residentvegetables from the garden. We’ve now got a great base to keep this going for <strong>year</strong>s to come.Darren, #1 residentFor further information contact: chair@pennroadn7.co.uk...”6

Ringcross Community CentreRingcross Community Centre managed by Hyde HousingAssociation is located on Ringcross Estate and hosts anumber of activities for the local community. Since Aprillast <strong>year</strong> volunteer gardeners from the Ringcross areahave been busy clearing, sowing, planting in, compostingand watering to grow as much as possible at the back ofthe Ringcross Community Centre. Some of the produceharvested last season included carrots, beetroot,potatoes, radishes and runner beans, not to mentionpumpkins. As a result the volunteers have successfullyconverted an unused, derelict piece of land at the backof the building into a flourishing, well designed foodgrowing space.BeforeBeforeAfterAfter“Ventures like this are a really great way to meet people and improve our environment.The gardening work is always worth it when you see the results and the commentsfrom residents and visitors have been really positive.Richard, head volunteerFor further information contact: rxcc@hyde-housing.co.uk...”7

Halton Mansions Communal GardensThe Halton Mansions Garden Group have successfully transformed an under utilised communalgarden space into a productive food growing area. The transformation of the space has been wellreceived by local residents.BeforeAfter“I never in a million <strong>year</strong>s thought I would end up making spinach soup with spinach frommy own garden, but it has happened! The whole thing has been - and still is - a greatexperience. Not only are we learning about gardening but we’re also spending more timeoutside, using the space we’d never used in the past, and talking to neighbours, someof whom we didn’t even know before all of this. Considering our previous neighbourlyinvolvement was about going to court to try and close down a crack den, this is a huge”improvement and a source of pleasure on a daily basis.Danka, ResidentFor further information contact: agentn1@btinternet.comPermanent allotment, Pollard Close“AfterA permanent allotment was created byconverting an unused car park and dumpingground at Pollard Close into a food growingspace with 27 plots and two accessiblecommunity planters. All plots were let toIslington residents on the allotment waiting list.The site includes a full rain water harvestingsystem and all water used is rain water.Electricity for the site is solar generated andthere is a fully accessible composting toilet onsite. The plot holders have created the PollardClose Allotmenteers Group.With such a long waiting list for allotments, the plot holders are delighted to have had thisnew space created to grow their own fruit and vegetables. We are happy to have put thisunused space to such good use and hope that the Pollard Close Allotmenteers Group will”help the allotment to grow from strength to strength.Jerry Gutwin, Performance and Improvement Manager, Greenspace ServiceFor further information contact: jerry.gutwin@islington.gov.uk8

City University LondonThe staff and students of City University London have converted a small derelict area of paved landon their Northampton Square Campus into a food growing site. The area was cleared and raisedbeds installed growing a variety of vegetables and herbs.BeforeSetting it upAfterAfter“This was a derelict bit of space full of rubbish and underused. Now we can come down in thesummer and do some gardening in our lunch hour. We also sometimes have our lunch outhere. We had a bumper crop of tomatoes this <strong>year</strong> and potatoes. We hope we can plan aheadthis <strong>year</strong> and get some good crops that we could perhaps sell in our food co-op....”Hannah, staff memberFor further information contact: H.Lewis-2@city.ac.uk9

Getting to know the communityAlthough living in densely populated urban areas we often find that we know very littleabout the community we live in and rarely know our neighbours. The Edible Islingtonproject has shown that food growing is an ideal catalyst for developing community spirit.A closer neighbourhood, the Three Sisters Project, Islington““The Three Sisters Project, a system of companion growing of sweetcorn, runner beans, squashand nasturtiums was started by Islington Gardeners to encourage houses with limited space tostart food growing in ‘grow bags’. The project was spread across Islington with the largest clusterof 50 participants in the Ambler Road area. The project which started as an educational project todemonstrate the importance of urban food growing by using space creatively, ultimately resultedin the creation of a community hub that got to know each other working together to improve theirlocal area.Neighbours worked together to help the less able with their front gardens, to weed, plant,cut hedges and clear rubbish. Friendships blossomed with the flowers, and the effect has...”been to create a closer, happier, safer community, in which neighbours know each other.Naomi, resident, Ambler RoadA lady knocked on my door saying that she was from a house down the road, that she hadbeen locked out and needed some m<strong>one</strong>y. I asked her the house number and when shesaid it, I immediately suspected she might be a fraudster because I knew the householdersthrough the Three Sisters project and I knew that this lady did not live where she said. WhenI questi<strong>one</strong>d her further she quickly walked away. We now know most of our neighbours as aresult of our growing project....”Nicolette, resident, Plimsoll RoadFor further information contact: manitou@blueyonder.co.ukThe community food growing corner, Fortune Street ParkFortune Street Park is a small park located off Fortune Street and surrounded by housing estates.The park is popular amongst both children and adults, particularly the elderly. Friends of FortuneStreet have very successfully converted a corner of the park in to a <strong>year</strong> round community growingplot managed by local residents. The locals often work on the plot in their free time, particularlyover the weekend. This project has helped to effectively engage the local community.“I often come down expecting to spend a few minutes weeding and doing odd jobs in the plotbut end up having to spend a lot of time talking to passersby who always stop to ask aboutthe vegetable plot. The plot has added uniqueness to this park and encouraged more...”of thelocals to be actively involved in and to use the park.Patrick, resident10

Residents had enjoyed a fine harvest of fruit and vegetables overthe summer. “All the produce was distributed for free and it hadhelpedrdevelop a sense of neighbourliness in the area”.The project has also resulted in drawing the attention of localbusinesses who have subsequently got involved.“...”“We are very pleased to get our families involved in the Community Garden, and offerour campus for their meetings. We know how vitally important the park is to the localcommunity, a high percentage of the families living in flats have no outdoor space to growthings or play. Understanding how things grow, how to look after them, where they comefrom and what they taste like, promotes healthy lifestyles and offers a different...”aspect tothe park which is unique to the borough of Islington.Jacqui, Community Development Worker, Golden Lane CampusThe business owner who overlooks the plot thought it was a reallygreat idea and donated climbers to grow along <strong>one</strong> wall. His staff isnow managing all the climbers. Another business owner has offeredhis warehouse to collect and store deliveries etc until the weekendwhen most members in the community can work on the garden.Simon, residentThe project is supported by the Golden Lane Campus.For further information contact: friendsfortunepark@mac.comJust ask a neighbour, Aubert CourtAubert Court is a large block of social housing with over 600 residents. There was previously nospace for gardening and through the Edible Islington project they have now set up several raisedbeds for communal food growing.“A resident at Aubert Court wanted to garden but had no outdoor space on his sixth floor flat.So he approached the residents of a ground floor flat who did have a front garden, althoughgiven the state of it they clearly didn’t have much of a green thumb! He asked if they wouldmind if he used their garden to grow vegetables and herbs. They were happy for him to doit, and the result was a flourishing vegetable patch, which got lots of residents enthusiasticabout having their own space to grow produce too. It was <strong>one</strong> of the motivations for puttingin our Edible Islington bid, and we are delighted with the raised garden beds we now...”have.Andrew, residentResidents from many backgrounds now come together to grow vegetables, herbs and fruits in thecommunal garden.For further information contact: andrew@fdconsult.co.uk11

Overcoming trauma through food growing, Room2HealRoom2Heal is a community thatsupports victims of human rightsviolations in their lengthy anddifficult journeys towards a senseof personal safety, belongingand fulfilment.Edible Islington helped Room2Healset-up a therapeutic food growingspace with a variety of vegetablesand herbs. The garden bringsmembers together, providing,through food growing, a spacefor gaining skills, relaxing andsocialising, a key part oftheir therapy.Members designed and set up the plot themselves making key decisions as a group on layout,plants to grow and tilling the soil. The process has helped them to learn gardening skills andimportantly to work in unison.“The prospect of growing healthy food has been strongly welcomed by our members andprovided further opportunities for our members to enjoy fellowship with each other andwith local residents, as well as a site for cooking and sharing a meal....”Mark, Room2Heal staff memberMembers use the garden as a space for remembering their past and preparing themselvesfor their future.“It is more than just about gardening for our community. It is their therapy. It is wherethey can dig their hands in to the dirt and interact with other people. One of the userssaid that this bit of garden is his land – the only land that he now has. Many of the usersplant trees, flowers and bushes in memory of lost family members. Food growing also...”represents a bit of the rural life that was part of their past. It really helps them.Mark, Room2Heal staff memberAs a result of being involved in the Edible Islington project, some of the members are gettingmore widely involved with other activities in Culpeper garden and volunteer on other projects.Room2Heal therefore hopes that a group of skilled volunteers who are willing and able tospearhead a new food growing project on another site will emerge.For further information contact: mark.fish@room2heal.org.uk13

Food growing for older people, Cope House, Epic TrustCope House is a large sheltered housing scheme for 47 older people from a diverse range of culturaland social backgrounds, some of whom have complex support needs. The internal design of thescheme has always made it difficult to build a sense of community between residents; the EdibleIslington project is helping to achieve this.Four raised beds and a new bench were installed in the communal gardens of Cope House. Withinhours of the raised beds being built and installed resident had started to use them – the enthusiasmof those residents who got involved is really encouraging.“Food growing is a great way for us to get active. It makes people happy. I was knocking ondoors and encouraging people to join in the gardening. Gardening is a nice way to get toknow each other as we don’t all speak the same language. There is <strong>one</strong> lady who can’t comeout of her flat. But she gives instructions to her niece on what to do in her garden and weall help out. I myself really enjoy gardening with my husband. I took the Master Gardeners...”course which was just great. I hope we can get more residents involved in our gardening.Stella, Cope House residentAs the project has been so popular, Epic Trust has now hired a volunteer to support the residents ofCope House to expand on the Edible Islington project and get more residents involved in growingfood and using their communal garden.For further information contact: sue.wardell@circleanglia.org14

The Natural Growth Project, Freedom from TortureFreedom from Torture, formerly the MedicalFoundation for the Care of Victims of Torture,helps survivors of torture from all over theworld who are so damaged that they are notready for even the most specialised, in-depthpsychotherapy. The Natural Growth projectuses the power of nature to bring people backfrom the brink of mental disintegration.The Edible Islington project helped introduceraised herb and vegetable beds that areaccessible to disabled clients and a greenhouseto help growing at higher temperatures whilstkeeping those clients who may be in frailhealth more comfortable.“Access to edible plants both indigenous and non indigenous, supports an individual’sconnection with their past. We can grow plants originating from their homeland and nurture anunderstanding, a way of coping with their new environment as they become familiar with theBritish climate and what can grow here. Also, in instances where plants from foreign soil fail to...”grow, it can support a client who is beginning to address issues of loss and very painful memories.Charlotte, staff memberAs part of the project, the group has constructed a ‘Path of Life – from Edible to the Inedible’ whichallows visiting clients to reflect upon the journeys they have undertaken. Edible and sweet smellingplants, such as herbs, aloe vera and berries represent the positive aspects of their experienceswhilst prickly inedible plants and items such as cacti and boulders signify the more painful andchallenging elements of their passage thus far.For further information contact: CLock@torturecare.org.ukDid you know?The therapeutic effects of food growingThe therapeutic effects of gardening are widely accepted and many studies have shown thatgrowing <strong>one</strong>’s own food in particular has numerous benefits for those suffering from bothphysical and mental disabilities. Food growing encourages growers to eat a healthier dietrich in fruit and vegetables they have grown. Fresh air and exercise benefits muscles, b<strong>one</strong>s,the respiratory and the cardiac systems which in turn improves physical strength, flexibilityand endurance and reduces the risks of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity andosteoporosis.Food growing also helps to develop social and intellectual skills which help improve socialinclusion, rehabilitation, literacy and numeracy skills. It also provides a calm environment thatpaves the path for relaxation and calming the mind which has special benefits for those withmental health problems.15

Reducing anti-social behaviourResidents regularly tell the council and the police about their concerns regarding antisocialbehaviour. We are delighted that the establishments of several Edible Islingtonprojects have resulted in the reduction of anti-social behaviour in their local area.A safer Isledon Village, Parkside Growing PlotThe Parkside Growing Plot was a derelict piece ofwaste ground (former ecology enclosure) which wasconverted in to a community food growing area. Itwas a hot-spot for anti-social behaviour and wasoften used by drug users. Planters were set up and theresidents in partnership with Circle 33 Housing Trusthave successfully converted this former derelict spacein to a flourishing vegetable patch. Food grown bytenants was used for the estate BBQ in the summer.Many events including an annual barbeque are held.A nature trail is now being developed on the land behind the growing plot, with the help of theland owners Origin Housing, for the local children in partnership with the Sam Morris Nursery andMontem School. The establishment of this food growing space has been successful in deterringdrug users from the site and reducing anti-social behaviour.“I live opposite the site and all the anti-social behaviour and drug users hanging around inthe plot used to really bother me. The creating of this food growing area is the best...”thingwe have d<strong>one</strong>.Maria, residentThe project has also had other added benefits:“One resident who has disabilities has really enjoyed growing the vegetables at home andat the communal garden. He has sent a thank you email and photos thanking me for theproject and saying how much he enjoys it and how it gives him a reason for leaving hishome and how he has met lots of new neighbours. He is now having some extra <strong>one</strong> to<strong>one</strong> sessions with the Groundwork gardener.Maria, resident”The Parkside Growing Plot has helped build the community spirit on the estate by involving many tenants,young and old, and has helped them to cement links with other local organisations. The Parkside GrowingPlot won first prize in Capital Growth’s Edible Estates competition in October last <strong>year</strong> and this has givenevery<strong>one</strong> involved a real sense of achievement and a lot of hope for the future.For further information contact: maria.panteli@hotmail.co.uk16

Making Holly Park Estate safer, Holly Park community garden“Holly Park community garden located on Holly Park Estate was on a site that was unkempt andunused except by dog walkers who did not clear up, loud drinkers late at night and young drugusers. The garden has been now converted in to a fully cultivated well kept food growing site thatis well lit at night keeping undesirable activity away.We found a lot of old needles when we cleared the site. It was also an area through whichpeople evaded the police. They would run in and climb over the adjoining railings in thebushes and out in to Crouch Hill train stations. All this anti-social behaviour has now”reduced. This could be either due to a respect of the area or the fear that wrongdoingin the cultivated site would not be tolerated.Jeannette, Chair, Holly Park Gardening ClubFor further information contact: jeanne88e@hotmail.co.ukReducing anti-social behaviour, Girdlest<strong>one</strong> EstateGirdlest<strong>one</strong> Estate, located in North Islington, is a social housing estate managed by Homes forIslington. The Girdlest<strong>one</strong> Gardening Club has successfully converted a derelict former playgroundin to a thriving community food growing space for residents and local community. The project hasreduced anti-social behaviour around the site.17

““One late summer evening I needed to do some work at the Community Centre office. Onthe way there I passed a group of about 5-6 hoodie-type youths, mixed racial backgrounds,aged 17-20ish smoking and mumbling among themselves. As I don’t have ‘victim’ mentalityI did not feel threatened but could see that some would. On leaving the office 20 minuteslater, the same group was huddled at the vegetable plot gates pushing on the chain and thegate. I went up to them and asked if they’d like to know what we’re doing in there - theywere silent, transfixed probably by my different reaction to them. Without waiting for ananswer I told them about the growing scheme and invited them to join us, pointing to theposter i’d stuck to the railing. They mumbled ‘yeah, ‘great, thanks’ still in shock. About aweek later, <strong>one</strong> of them came over just as we were locking up. He said he’d told his mumabout the organic veg we’re growing and she’d sent him back to ask if they could buy someand how much it was. I explained there was no cost - they were welcome to come and helpand the harvest is shared between all. He had trouble taking it in, but eventually got it andleft smiling with a spring in his step. Those lads have never been seen hanging around thatarea since.On another occasion I’d seen this 10 <strong>year</strong> old boy with a small gang a few times, once on topof a bin shed throwing things and being generally naughty. I’d also been told the gang had lita fire on a bin shed. .Once when we were in the veg plot, including other children, still settingit up, I saw him hovering by the fence outside. I went over to him, invited him in. He came. Itold him what we were doing and that we’d like some help if he could stay. He immediatelyasked what he could do and did all we asked. When d<strong>one</strong>, he came and asked if there wasanything else he could do. He came back next time and helped installing the large water butt.The gang has not been reported being ‘naughty’ since then.Jan, resident, Girdlest<strong>one</strong> EstateGirdlest<strong>one</strong> Gardening Club won first place for the ‘Best Community Plot’ at the IslingtonHorticultural Show in 2010.For further information contact: janet.m@btinternet.com””18

Engaging young peopleA large number of food growing sites were set up in schools, children’s centres andnurseries and well over 2,000 young people were engaged in food growing through EdibleIslington projects. The enthusiasm of the young people participating in the projects hasbeen unparalleled.An Edible Playground, Rotherfield Primary SchoolIn partnership with Edible Islingtonand Tree for Cities, Rotherfield PrimarySchool has successfully transformedthe school’s playground from an areaof almost exclusive hard surface toa space with raised vegetable beds,trees, an outdoor classroom, herbs,fruiting shrubs, a wildflower meadow,a vegetable garden and naturalplay elements. Over 370 childrenwere involved in creating this EdiblePlayground and now use it to learnabout, grow and nurture their own food.“This project has been atremendous success and <strong>one</strong> thatboth Trees for Cities and RotherfieldPrimary School are extremely proudof”. “The project has provided theschool with a new initiative foroutdoor teaching which will influenceand enhance the educationof children at the school helpingto alleviate social hardship anddeprivation which is common inthe area.Pricilla, Grants Coordinator,Trees for Cities”For further information contact: PriscillaCorbett@treesforcities.org19

The Garden Classroom’s Edible Islington ProjectThe Garden Classroom’s Edible Islington projectsupported staff and students at three Islingtonschools - St Jude and St Paul’s Primary School,Newington Green Primary School and HanoverPrimary School - to learn the link between nature andgrowing food and get hands on planting and growingexperience. 175 students and 26 adults developedthriving growing spaces in the schools which pupilsuse to cultivate their own crops. In addition, thestudents between them have attended over a 100sessions at King Henry’s Walk Garden and CulpeperCommunity Garden.“….Enabled my son to have a realconnection to the real world of vegetation andgrowth….Enabled him to see how we can produceedible plants at a low cost level…how to beenvironmentally friendly and reduce carbon as”a by-product.Adhana, a parent at St Jude’sand St Paul’s Primary School“The most fun we have had is identifying things by smelling them and eating them straightoff the plants, finding out that we liked foods we thought we didn’t, everybody lovedmange-tout. Some said “I thought I didn’t like peas”. And we tried chillies this week, somesaid “Oh yeah I can eat chillies they’re not hot”. Some ran around with their tongueshanging out like Tigger.Myra, Newington Green School Garden Club”“…The practical, hands on experience that the children experienced at Culpeper was fantasticand has had a significant impact on their learning….Projects like this bring something”special to a school and we will definitely continue to do them.Mandy Reese, Head Teacher, Hanover SchoolThe project was used as a pilot for a large scale version involving eight Islington primary schoolsfor which The Garden Classroom is currently seeking funding. If successful, an education officer willtrain these eight schools to use their new Edible Islington growing spaces.For further information contact: Marnie@thegardenclassroom.org.uk20

Delicious@St Aloysius, St Aloysius College“The Delicious@St Aloysius project has successfullytransformed a small area of the car park, previouslya long jump site, in to a fully functioning foodgrowing area. Students at St Aloysius taking theDiploma in Business, Administration and Financedecided to pilot the setting up of a food growingsite as a business idea with the aim of selling theproduce to the school community. The growingsite is now established and links made with localbusinesses and council allotments. The studentsare looking forward to the growing season.The students involved benefited greatly, it was lovely to watch them working happily as ateam. They developed excellent skills socially and as gardeners, dealing with setbacks ofdisease and frost killing some plants. They thoroughly enjoyed the whole process of beinginvolved in something different, outside the classroom which has such benefits for our localcommunity.Jenny, Staff Member, St Aloysius CollegeFor further information contact: coyle.j2@sta.islington.sch.uk”Home Grown Vegetables from Home Grown BoysThis innovative food growing project hadyoung people from Coppenhagen Youth Projectworking with Global Generation on a businessand sustainability project. They planted herbsand vegetables in the Kings Cross Skip and HoopGardens and sold their totally local and organicproduce to the executive chefs at the in houseGuardian Restaurant in Kings Place. This is whatthe boys had to say about their experience:“...I like coming here cooking food and sellingplants it makes me feel motivation and dedication......It helped when the chefs came to the garden and saw us pick everything fresh so theyknew nothing dodgy is happening and the low carbon footprint of everything sets a bigimage ......We learnt a lot about each other and how we do in business and this made a better bondbetween us......Next we want to have a step up in our career and do bigger things - this week has openedwindows for us , especially if we don’t make it as footballers, we could always do this...”For further information contact: jane@globalgeneration.org21

Further Support forEdible Islington ProjectsAlthough the Edible Islington grant programme has now ended, we would like toensure that the food growing projects have long term sustainability. A number ofsupport mechanisms have been set up to provide further training and opportunities fornetworking. Outlined below are a number of opportunities. Projects are encouragedto use these for further training and improving their food growing through sharingknowledge, exchange of seedlings, bulk-buying etc with other Edible Islington projects.Islington Master Gardeners Programmepassion for passing on their skills within their communities.housing associations and community centres or helping friends and neighbours get growing so getgrowing. To offer them reasons to grow food, remove barriers against, teach growing skills andnot have to be an expert, but some food growing knowledge is required. The training is about givingyou confidence, support and resources to pass on your knowledge. The concept behind the projectis called ‘cascade learning’ – or train the trainer, where people benefit from each other’s knowledgeand are influenced by those around them, such as friends, neighbours, family, and work colleagues.If you are interested in finding out more about the programme have a look at the website andregister your interest in the next training weekend (Autumn 2011) by contacting Kate Fenhalls withsome details of your volunteering and horticultural experience.www.islington.mastergardeners.org.ukkfenhalls@gardenorganic.org.uk22

Edible Islington on Project DirtGroups are encouraged to use The Edible Islington group of ‘Project Dirt’ to communicate with eachother, advertise their growing events or show-off their bumper harvest!Project dirt is a site that provides individuals, community groups, companies, organisations and localauthorities a platform to come together and work on tangible green projects.To join, visit www.projectdirt.org. Sign up (it’s free) and search for ‘Edible Islington’. Request tobecome a member of the project. Then feel free to post your food growing events and pictures,communicate with other members of your group or with other Edible Islington groups.Map of Edible Islington projectsA map of Edible Islington sites is available on the Islington Council website. This map serves as adatabase for Edible Islington projects to locate each other and network to share skills, swap seedsor simply exchange ideas. www.islington.gov.uk/edibleislingtonLocal LeadsCapital Growth has launched a local leads programme appointing a local organisation in eachborough to run a local food growing network.The local leads for Islington are St. Luke’s Community Centre and Freightliners City Farm. Theseorganisations will build on local activity and initiatives and develop further opportunities for localfood –growing projects to share information, resources and develop ideas. Please contact theseorganisations directly for further information.Capital GrowthFrom the start of the campaign, Edible Islington worked closely with Capital Growth, London’scampaign to set up 2012 food growing space by the end of the <strong>year</strong> 2012. Edible Islington projectswho are Capital Growth members are eligible for support provided by Capital Growth. Furtherinformation is available at http://www.capitalgrowth.org/Further support from the CouncilIslington Council is committed to providing ongoing support to food growing groups wherevermark.rowe@islington.gov.uk23

Appendix 1:A list of Edible Islington projectsSmall grant projectsArchway Children’s CentreBlessed Sacrament Catholic Primary SchoolBoston and Nailour EstateCaledonian Park Users Group (Friends of Park Group)City University LondonClerkenwell Primary SchoolC<strong>one</strong>wood Street Childrens Centre (formerlyMartineau Community Nursery)Duncombe primary schoolFortune Street ParkGreen TackersHawthorne CloseHighbury Community NurseryHighbury Fields SchoolHighbury Quadrant Primary SchoolHillrise Sheltered HousingIslington Gardeners, Three Sisters Project (variouslocations)Kate Greenaway Nursery School and Children’s CentreKing’s Square Community NurseryLador CourtLaycock SchoolLondon School of Economics and Political ScienceMarket PlaygroupMinik Kardes Day NurseryMontem Primary SchoolMount Carmel RC Technology College for GirlsNew North Community SchoolOlden Community GardenRichard Cloudesley Primary SchoolRoom2HealSacred Heart Catholic Primary SchoolSt Augustine’s PlaygroundSt John’s Highbury ValeSt Joseph’s RC Primary SchoolSt Luke’s Primary SchoolSt Marks CE Primary SchoolThe Factory Community ProjectThe Garden GroupThe Grove Tenants and Residents AssociationThornhill Bridge EstateThornhill Primary SchoolTransition HighburyUpper Street Association (USA)Large grant projectsAubert CourtBevin CourtBrennard Court in partnership with BetterArchway ForumCaxton HouseDartmouth ParkEpic Trust/ Cope HouseForrest CourtFreedom from Torture (Formerly theMedical Foundation)Girdlest<strong>one</strong> EstateGlobal GenerationHilldrop Community CentreHolloway Neighbourhood Group/Old Fire StationHolly ParkIsledon Village Parkside Growing PlotMildmay Community PartnershipMuriel Steet Community GardenNew Orleans EstateNumber 1 Penn RoadOlden GardensRingcross Community CentreSingle Homeless Project (various hostels)Sotheby MewsStafford Cripps EstateThe Stress ProjectWalter Sickert EstateWedmore EstateWestbourne Community CentreWhitecross Street EstateOrchardsCaledonian ParkAlderwick CourtGirdlest<strong>one</strong> WalkHaden CourtHugh Myddelton Primary School, MyddeltonStreetCommunity allotmentPollard close24

Schools Projects3 Corners Adventure PlaygroundAmbler Primary SchoolAshmount Primary SchoolCanonbury Primary SchoolCardfieldsCopenhagen Primary SchoolHanover Primary School and NurseryHugh Myddelton Primary SchoolHungerford Primary SchoolNew River College/ The Nomadic GardenNewington Green Primary SchoolPakeman Primary SchoolPooles Park Primary SchoolRotherfield Primary School with Treesfor CitiesSt Aloysisus CollegeSt Andrew’s Primary SchoolSt Joan of Arc Catholic SchoolSt Judes and St Pauls Primary SchoolSt Mary’s Islington CE Primary SchoolTufnell Park Primary SchoolWaterside Youth CentreIf you would like this document in large print or Braille, audiotape or in anotherlanguage, please contact 020 7527 2000.Contact Islington222 Upper Street, London N1 1XRE contact@islington.gov.ukT 020 7527 2000F 020 7527 5001Minicom 020 7527 1900W www.islington.gov.ukPublished May 2011Printed on 100% recycled paper. Published October 2009.25