Overview
Garden Enfield is an ambitious market gardening project that aims to make Enfield the garden of London. It intends to combine community growing with large scale food production to create 1,200 jobs and generate income.
The project launched with a food growing project at Forty Hall Farm, with volunteers and Capel Manor students working together to grow and sell vegetables through the Enfield Veg Co.
There followed a series of community projects all over the borough, from housing estates to parks. They provide a great opportunity to learn about growing, to be active and eat healthily, and to meet new people and gain skills.
If your garden is not listed here, or you’re interested in setting up a new community growing space, call the Neighbourhood Regeneration team on 020 8379 3885.
Arnos Park Community Garden
The Friends of Arnos Park group, supported by Garden Enfield and others, established a community garden on an unused site in the park.
They have transformed the site into a thriving growing space, with accessible raised beds to grow fruit and veg, a community orchard and plans for beekeeping. Methods will be organic as far as possible.
The group created the garden to act as a hub for the community, especially those without gardens. Aims include supporting people with mental and physical health problems, educating young people and providing a chance for unemployed people to gain skills through volunteering.
For more information, visit Friends of Arnos Park Facebook page
Broomfield Park Community Garden
Broomfield Park already has a thriving community orchard established in 2009, with over 70 fruit trees and regular volunteer support. Volunteers are also active in running the conservatory and the new Palmers Greenery café.
Members of the community have identified an area suitable for fruit and vegetable growing, and plan to establish a growing site. They are keen to open up growing to the community, including schools and vulnerable groups, and will build on the success of the orchard.
Forty Hall Farm
Forty Hall Farm is run by Capel Manor College. It’s a working farm that offers placements for students, volunteering and community opportunities, and promotes sustainable food production.
There has been a market garden running on Forty Hall Farm since April 2013, with over 3 acres dedicated to organic salad and vegetable production.
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities at the garden, from harvesting and packing to clearing and planting. Volunteer sessions run on Friday and Tuesday mornings, and offer a great opportunity to learn about organic food growing and get involved in the community.
The majority of produce is sold locally through the veg box scheme, as well as in the local Budgens on Lancaster Road and at the Village Wholefood Shop.
The farm is supported by Garden Enfield and the Greater London Authority.
For more information, visit the Forty Hall Farm website.
Grow your own vegetables at home
Whatever space you have - windowsill, balcony, or backyard - growing your own vegetables is easier than you think. View our simple how-to guides for any space:
Other useful sources:
- The BBC has information on different varieties of veg including when and how to plant beans, courgettes, carrots, salad leaves and basil. There is also general gardening information
- The Royal Horticultural Society has a great section on growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs
Schools
Schools are getting involved with growing lettuce, beetroot, radishes, peas, beans and more to provide food to families and even sell leftover produce.
As well as growing food outside, 10 recycled bottle greenhouses are being funded by the Old Enfield Charitable Trust, with frames provided and schools collecting bottles to complete the greenhouse.
Schools are also being supported by business partners including Waitrose and Graham Construction.
For schools interested in getting involved, there is plenty of support including free training, visits to growing sites and a grow your own network for school staff.
Enfield Young Farmers Club
Enfield Young Farmers Club has enabled young people from ages 9 to 26 to learn about agriculture and healthy eating whilst participating in a variety of physical activities.
Nightingale Academy provided a growing space for this scheme to introduce young people to all elements of market gardening, from planting and harvesting fruit and vegetables to cooking and selling produce.
The club is linked with the school and the local football club in Pymmes Park and affiliated to the National Federation of Young Farmers, providing unique opportunities for the young people involved.
Get involved in a local growing space
If you’re interested in trying your hand at growing locally, get in touch below:
- Forty Hall Farm
- Enfield Young Farmers Club
- Arnos Park Community Garden
Outside Enfield
Just outside Enfield, OrganicLea in Chingford has great opportunities for volunteering and training. Capital Growth also has listings across London.