It started in lockdown

Over the lockdown in 2020, a group of local residents came together to establish a new vision for Manor Park Community Garden and applied for funding. With the help of Newham Council and plenty of willing volunteers, we have managed to create a beautiful garden that is for all to share.

What started as a lock down project has grown into something amazing!

Funding from Newham Council

Newham Council’s Community Assemblies project (Now called “People Powered Places”) called on local residents to submit ideas on what they wanted to see in their local borough.

Sustainability, more green spaces and cleaner air quality were high on people’s priorities here in Manor Park. An application for funding for the existing community garden was submitted and received a great response in terms of votes from local residents.

After a number of presentations, zoom calls, proposed budgeting and project planning we were grateful to receive £20,000 from the council for investment in the garden in September 2021.

Some early stage designs

A covered pergola providing a great all-weather event space.

Space for water butts which harness the rainwater and irrigate the plants.

Different height planters ensure gardeners of all ages and sizes can get hands on.

Extra wide pathways to ensure the garden is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

Archways with climbing plants makes for a sensory experience.

The raised planters will create zones for relaxing and different types flowers and edible plants.

A greenhouse for exotic and young plants, compost heap and potting station.

A flexible space - greening and planting are key but as is a space for socialisation and community.

Planning and Prepping

The garden is designed by and for our community. We wanted share initial plans and, ask fellow residents how they would envisage using the space and what they would like to see. We held our first open day, the weather was on our side and we had a great turn out of people wanting to contribute their ideas. Top of the list was ensuring that the garden was a space that belonged to everyone.

We also set about making some space in the current community garden to reassess how the area could be maximised, re-using existing materials and temporarily rehousing the plants whilst work was carried out.

Our first open day! It was a great turn out

Some new faces who have recently moved to the area

Our first certification from the RHS :-)

It's grubby work but someone's gotta do it!

Rehoming the existing plants was a top priority.

The existing planters were rotting so the team are dismantling them.

The soil is great quality, we're saving all of it!

Can't wait to have the garden full of life again!

The green of the plants really stand out against the dark fence!

The never ending job. Plenty of snacks to keep us going!

Out 2nd open day...slightly colder this time!

A lick of paint gives the garden a whole new look!