The 10x Greener Project
ecoACTIVE, Daubeney Fields Forever, and Friends of the Earth teamed up to make our neighbourhood 10x greener.
The 10x Greener project was set up in February 2018 by Friends of the Earth and Daniel Raven Ellison, founder of the London National Park City initiative.
ecoACTIVE was selected to work on the project in partnership with Friends of the Earth. and Daubeney Fields Forever. This project aimed to transform the streets and public-facing gardens, making them more appealing and welcoming for wildlife and nature, and increasing biodiversity.
What is 10x Greener?
In May 2018 - 10x Greener hit their crowdfunding target of £7,500!
Local residents contributed to the crowdfunder campaign to appoint the first ever 'postcode gardener' in the country, Kate Poland. Kate spent 2019 working alongside residents in the E5 area to ‘green up’ the public-facing areas. Front gardens, tree-pits and other under-used spaces were tackled, making them better for wildlife and much nicer for the whole community. An abandoned car park is now a green oasis, and grey spaces are filled with colour.
The result is a sight to behold: the green spaces have been brought to life and they've brought insects and birds into the streets. Read more in this feature from The National Trust.
Impact of the Project.
A survey carried out in 2021 with over 60 local people, provided some useful feedback about the Postcode Gardener project.
Community
It strengthened neighbourly bonds and brought together a community like never before.
Awareness
It opened residents’ eyes to all the small spaces on streets that can be turned green
Change
It created a new energy in the community and was a catalyst for local environmental action.
Connection
It encouraged people to relate to their streets in a fresh way.
What Local People Are Saying
“I’ve learned a lot from neighbours who are involved, it’s helped me get to know new people.”
“I have a greater sense of wellbeing, area feels calmer.”
“Nature has improved. I love seeing more nature.”
“Streets are greener and look better. The area has become a nicer place.”
“Encouraging people to exercise more through gardening or walking.”
Cities: Nature’s New Wild’
The 10x Greener project on Daubeney Road featured in an episode of the BBC programme ‘Cities: Nature’s New Wild’, which aired on the 13th January 2019. The programme revealed that 75% of children in the UK spend less time outdoors than prisoners. The 10 x Greener project succeeded in encouraging children and families to enjoy being outdoors and create new active communities focused on biodiversity and nature.