Growing Communities is a social enterprise run by local people in Hackney, East London. Their goal is to create a more sustainable food system through running a local box scheme which grows organic mixed salad in small urban market gardens and selling it in the Stoke Newington organic farmers market. As for the Castle climbing centre, big plans are being cooked up which includes a permaculture garden with fruit trees, fruit bushes and herbs as well as the changes they will be making in the coming years: to be waste, carbon and water neutral by 2015. For more information see their environmental blog http://sustainablecastle.blogspot.com/
We were sent there to volunteer our help with the renovation of the castle's garden. We were divided into groups, some doing measuring and sketching out ideas and others [including me] did some digging, hoeing and raking to remove some roots from a certain area so that they could use the land for a vegetable patch.
It was hard physical labour in 1 degree weather but we all thoroughly enjoyed it!
Map of grounds
The introductions
Areas already marked for new bushes and trees
We accidentally wrecked this poor frogs family home when we upturned a rock while digging.
Covered raised vegetable beds for protection from frost as well as nuisances such as slugs
Green roofing!
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