Whilst The Conservation Volunteers has locations right across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland in beautiful wild areas, some of our most unique and critical sites sit in the centre of cities, nestled between train tracks and industrial areas. The same can be said for Meridian One Community Garden in Upper Edmonton, a vibrant green oasis in the midst of modern North London. It has become a thriving community hub, a sanctuary for nature and a garden for all in one of London’s most deprived areas.
Growing Food, Growing Community
Led by TCV Project Officers Katie Pole & Oscar Hadwin-Guardiola, the garden is a place where local people come together to grow fruit and vegetables, create wildlife habitats and connect with nature – and each other.
Volunteers are at the heart of the garden’s success. Its impact is reflected in its diverse volunteer base:
- 51.1% from ethnic minority backgrounds
- 11.4% living with a disability
- 66% identify as women
- 39.3% from the top 20% most deprived UK areas
- Largest age groups: 18-25 (23.8%) and 26-35 (31.7%)
“Great sessions that have taught me loads about growing and helped connect me to local people and nature. Perfect for anyone who works from home a lot and is feeling a bit lonely! Big thanks to Katie, Charlie and TCV team!”
Nature for Wellbeing
Improving people’s wellbeing through nature connection is core to TCV’s mission and Meridian One Community Garden is a living example. Volunteers report better sleep, reduced loneliness and a sense of purpose.
“I find it very relaxing, and after all the work at the garden, I sleep better at night. Love chatting and sharing tips with each other, and making soup and eating with breadsticks was the cherry on top.”
“Very friendly, enjoyable atmosphere, we cook, learn about what we grow, we do our exercises.”
From monthly women’s wellbeing sessions to children’s Nature Explorers clubs, the garden offers free, inclusive activities that support mental and physical health. Across the year the garden hosts a rich calendar of free community events whilst building a connection to community and nature:
- Summer gardening clubs for kids
- Curriculum-linked school visits
- Evening workshops: moth trapping, herbal remedies, Batik dyeing, lino printing, and recycling crafts
- Black History Month celebration: Saluting Our Sisters – Black Women in Horticulture photography exhibition
Weekends feature family-friendly events with:
- Staff-led children’s activities
- Live music from Mbilla Arts and Pan Nation
- Planting, harvesting, and free hot food
“Best thing I have ever done. I have been able to share all I have learnt with my local community, & bring so much more value to my community.”
An Oasis in the City
The Meridian One Community Garden was built on reclaimed brownfield land and sits in a heavily industrial area with limited access to green space. The Greater London Authority has even identified this area as high risk for climate change impacts and low in public green space. TCV has submitted a proposal to move the garden to a permanent designated green space, ensuring long-term sustainability and expanding its reach across the community as a long-term resource to protect and restore nature across the borough.
Volunteering at the garden helps the local community to develop conservation and green skills through hands-on food growing, habitat creation and sustainable living. By empowering communities like this, it shows how local communities can make direct impacts in their local areas by helping nature to thrive even in urban locations.
Keep up to date with the latest news and activities from The Conservation Volunteers by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, BlueSky and YouTube.
You can also sign up to receive TCV’s Greenzine e-newsletter for more ways to get involved.
TCV is active across most of the UK: Click here to find your nearest office or activity
