Strengthening communities and improving the local environment
Getting outdoors, socialising, learning new skills and connecting with the earth and the natural world can have a really positive effect on our mental and physical health and the way we interact with each other. It changes how we see the world around us too.
Being part of our community garden project allows residents to work together to benefit everyone as well as spreading their influence throughout the wider neighbourhood and the local environment. We know this is particularly important in urban areas, as gardens provide residents with much-needed access to green space and an opportunity to grow and harvest fresh fruit and vegetables, get outdoors, meet neighbours, and get to know local plants and wildlife.
Make a one-off or regular donation to support ecoACTIVE and our Community Garden Network
Community Garden Network -What we do
We tailor our support to the needs of each community group and space, with the aim to make sustainable, self-managed gardens. You’ll build on existing skills in your community and work together to develop flourishing community spaces. We have a modest budget to support physical improvements to the gardens - for example new beds, a shed, investments in plants or tools - but we also support the up-skilling of groups and individuals through training or networking events.
2025-28 Project Objectives
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Support
Support our existing community garden network. Help volunteers gain new skills as a result of being involved at their community garden.
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Recruit
Recruit 3 further gardens per year and offer networking opportunities for volunteers.
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Deliver
85 training sessions for 100 volunteers, improving their physical and/or mental wellbeing, as a result of being involved at their community garden.
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Educate
Gardening & Environmental Education Programme will be run for 500 participants
Need help?
We are already working with some fantastic projects and engage with groups we'll be working with in years to come. We have found that extra support from the housing associations, tenant management organisations and others has helped our work take root, making it more sustainable.
Please contact us if you know a group who could benefit from this support from next year's growing season or beyond.
Impact
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Our community gardens
Between Apr 2023 and March 2024 we supported 322 residents at 9 community gardens in Hackney
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Training & events
During the period we delivered 29 training sessions and supported 11 community events at the gardens.
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New Skills
100% of questionnaire respondents said they gained new skills
82% of respondents said they shared skills with other people.
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Socialisation
91% of respondents said they met new people, or made new friends as a result of being involved in
the garden. This has helped some feel less isolated.
“I have made a few friends. Was feeling a bit isolated living alone in Hackney but have been growing social connections since joining.”
“I always try to share skills with others so we can all grow and learn together.”
“There were residents I already knew that I have become friendly with due to the garden activity”
“I've taught the group how to prune fruit trees and bushes correctly.”
