Greening Greenwich: How a Garden is Reviving Biodiversity and Community Wellbeing

Nestled on the edge of Christchurch C of E Primary School, the Christchurch School Community Garden (CSCG) has blossomed into a vibrant sanctuary for nature, wildlife and people. In East Greenwich – one of the borough’s least biodiverse areas, with scarce green spaces and years-long allotment waiting lists – CSCG stands as a symbol of ecological renewal and community spirit.

From Car Park to Community Garden: The Birth of CSCG

Photos: before CSCG and how it looks today

The story of CSCG began in 2017 when Fiona Machen Harrison, then a PTA volunteer and parent at the school, wanted to prevent this plot of land from being converted into a car park. With deep roots in nature having grown up on a farm, Fiona left her career in fashion to pursue horticulture, achieving her RHS Diploma and using her expertise to transform the space.

Fiona was soon joined by Patrick Ives, a seasoned environmental activist and Greenwich resident of over 40 years. Raised in rural British Columbia, Patrick brought a wealth of experience in sustainable living and gardening, having grown up with his family growing, harvesting and preserving much of their own food. When another community garden in Greenwich was shut down, he salvaged plants and equipment that would otherwise have gone to waste – giving CSCG a head start.

Today, the garden thrives with fruit trees, vegetable beds, a flourishing pond, composting systems, and formerly, beehives that produced local honey. It has become a weekly gathering place for volunteers and a haven for biodiversity.

Happy Hedges: Expanding the Green Footprint

In 2024, CSCG became involved in helping the local council to spend a pot of money on biodiversity improvements. So far, this working group – also including councillors and council officers – have planted 66 metres of hedgerows and will be installing bird boxes on a much-valued but uncared-for green space near the garden. This initiative emerged from volunteer discussions about extending biodiversity beyond the garden and into local areas. Unlike many urban trees that struggle to survive due to the lack of appropriate care, these hedgerow plants are fairing better – enhancing both local ecology and aesthetics – much to the delight of residents.

Lessons in Growth: What the Garden Has Taught Us

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Fiona and Patrick reflect on the beekeeping experience as a valuable lesson. While the bees helped children overcome their fear of insects, their adverse impact on local ecology, maintaining the hives and harvesting honey proved more demanding than expected. Rather than viewing it as a setback, they see it as part of the garden’s evolving story.

Thanks to its extensive volunteer network, CSCG has also become a “repository” for salvaged materials and plants. From bricks rescued from skips for paving, to plants and bulbs donated by Greenwich Park, the Chelsea Flower Show and the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association (MPGA), the garden prospers on resourcefulness and community connections.

Starting Your Own Community Project: Tips from Fiona and Patrick

Funding is helpful, but it’s not the cornerstone of initial success. If you’re inspired to start a community garden or similar initiative, here are Fiona and Patrick’s top tips:

• Plan for sustainability – ensure your project has long-term viability

• Build a team – a community garden needs more than one person; ensure buy-in from interested volunteers

• Find a space – ask around to find unused space, and engage stakeholders about its potential

• Spread the word – social media is a powerful tool for visibility. CSCG has attracted support from local councillors and even international communities, including other community gardens in New York!

Get Involved: Grow With Us

What began as an idea to save a green space has now grown into a thriving ecosystem that supports a circular economy, giving people the chance to grow their own food and contribute to the garden’s abundance.

Volunteering with local initiatives like CSCG not only boosts wellbeing, but also fosters environmental and social sustainability. If you’d like to get involved with Christchurch School Community Garden, please email ccscommunitygarden@gmail.com.

Sincere thanks to Fiona Machen Harrison and Patrick Ives for sharing their time and wisdom with us.