Nomadic Community Gardens (NCG) is a social enterprise that temporarily transforms previously empty land awaiting development into urban oases open for use by the public. NCG is a not-for-profit organisation set-up as a company limited by guarantee (09761239). We work with landowners and property firms in spaces that can be used for the interim period before they are developed to create a valued resource for the local community. This is known as “meanwhile-use”. Using land in this way not only protects it from fly-tipping and other antisocial behaviour, but more importantly creates a link between developers and the community. Founder & Director James Wheale Director Pandora Wheale Contact [email protected]07884 401 513 80 Melody Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 2QG Nomadic Community Gardens // Making Wastelands Grow
Transcript
Nomadic Community Gardens (NCG) is a social enterprise that temporarily transforms previously empty land awaiting development into urban oases open for use by the public. NCG is a not-for-profit organisation set-up as a company limited by guarantee (09761239). We work with landowners and property firms in spaces that can be used for the interim period before they are developed to create a valued resource for the local community. This is known as “meanwhile-use”.
Using land in this way not only protects it from fly-tipping and other antisocial behaviour, but more importantly creates a link between developers and the community.
Founder & Director James WhealeDirectorPandora Wheale
[email protected] 401 51380 Melody Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 2QG
Nomadic Community Gardens // Making Wastelands Grow
Achievements
Ÿ Our Fleet Street Hill project began in May 2015. By the end of June we built just over 100 community allotment beds for local residents. We provided all the soil, building materials and fixings for free and have since recouped the expense from events held on site.
Ÿ We transformed the two acre site into a lively, functioning community space that offers a range of activities.
Ÿ The garden is home to a hive of bees, which we adopted last year. Garden volunteers have now been trained in beekeeping and we are looking forward to harvesting our first pots of honey.
Ÿ We are able to host corporate volunteers, giving them a fun day out learning how to weed and build pallet furniture.
Ÿ Since opening, our presence has created interest from other community groups. We have been able to use the resources and skills from the garden to assist other projects such as hosting workshops for W.E.N (Women's Environmental Network), building frames for the allotments at Gascoigne Place and helping to build a polytunnel for Mulberry Girls School on Commercial Road.
Why? By opening spaces that become community gardens we are enabling local residents to re-establish their communities, to learn new skills, discover new interests and find new purposes.
We hope you take the time to consider whether we can add something to your business portfolio. We have already established links to other PLC's and are currently working with LondoNewcastle. We believe we offer something unique, a legitimate avenue to greater CSR and a way of truly diversifying your profile.
This could be a watershed moment in the landscape of urban planning, where there is greater cohesion between councils, developers and local residents to increase the public sphere. We'd like to show you in greater detail the specifics of how our project works, so don't hesitate to get in touch to take this further.
Testimonials
“Since the garden is here there’s no more gangs hanging about, my wife feels safer, it’s a really good project” Mr Shah.
“The gardens have been good for me, I'm growing vegetables because I have no space at home. I’m happy here, we’re very lucky to have this.” Mr Ali.
Nomadic Community Gardens // Fleet Street Hill Project
Local resident picking produce from allotment bed
Local resident tending to allotment bed
Gardening tools donated by Spitalfields City Farm
Building allotment beds with help from the community
Our first site (Fleet Street Hill) pre-transformation
Our Sponsors
“[NCG] reduces anti-social behaviour. It’s had a postitive
impact on the community. People have helped turn bare land into an
urban oasis.” PC Murray, Spitalfields and BanglaTown Neighbourhood Policeman.
Hand-Pick Your Garden
NCG can offer a wide range of garden facilities and community activities &
workshops, which can be chosen on a case-by-case basis, dependent on what
will bring the greatest benefit to the surrounding community.
