South Woodford Community Gardeners are bidding for much-needed funding to improve local flower beds and tackle the challenges of climate change. Fiona Grant explains the many benefits of their work
South Woodford Community Gardeners have been working hard for over 11 years, maintaining the flower beds and planters in the local area. (Litter-picking is sadly a regular chore, too!) We look after the beds on George Lane, outside Regency Court (High Road), the raised ‘bridge beds’ opposite Waitrose, the parklet outside Tipi café, as well as various railing planters.
We’re a group of mainly retirees, giving our time and expertise voluntarily. However, climate change is worryingly taking its toll, and it will have not escaped anyone’s notice that this summer’s heatwave, in particular, has left our plants desperate for water. We are excited, therefore, to have the opportunity to apply for some funding from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) and have been busy preparing our application to hopefully win some much-needed funds, specifically for the bridge beds. Our proposal is for fresh soil and top dressing, plus some drought-tolerant plants. We also desperately need a way to transport water, as we have no easy access to it, so will include a water trolley in our bid, along with a compost bin. If we win, there will be many benefits for South Woodford!
Short-term benefits include the immediate visual improvement to the area. Residents frequently stop to thank us while we are gardening, telling us how much they enjoy the vibrant flower beds. Local businesses also benefit from the more attractive streetscape, a welcoming environment for customers.
In the medium term, our group benefits via enhanced physical and mental health through outdoor activity and shared purpose – and we are always looking for more volunteers. We foster community spirit and social connection, helping to reduce isolation and promote wellbeing. We are proud that a senior member of Vision RCL, who oversees Valentines Park gardens, recently commended us on maintaining South Woodford’s flower beds without any funding from the council.
Long-term benefits extend to environmental sustainability and biodiversity. Our flower beds and planters provide essential micro-habitats for pollinators, supporting local ecosystems in an increasingly urbanised environment. With natural habitats under threat, even small-scale interventions like ours play a vital role in preserving wildlife corridors.
We believe our work directly supports local green initiatives and contributes to a healthier, more resilient community. By greening our streets, we are not just planting flowers; we are planting pride, improving mental health, supporting wildlife and building a more cohesive, environmentally aware neighbourhood. These are benefits that will continue to grow, season after season. We value your support and look forward to hopefully sharing good news about our bid.
For more information, email southwoodfordgardeners@gmail.com
