Greening Brownfield

Tom Gleed and Keith Mills took the space on four years ago. They salvaged materials and built a chicken coop that cost a total of £3.50 (retail value £4,000!). The pair, together with local residents, created raised beds that green fingered locals rent out for £12 a year. There’s also an area for beehives and a pond as well as a traditional Vietnamese cooking stove made from reused materials.

Tom and Keith host school trips and environmental groups who come to see how community gardening is done.  They’ve just taken on two young apprentices who are learning how to keep the garden and the chickens healthy.

Tom said:  ‘It’s a great space for the community.  It’s very relaxing; people come here to get fresh eggs, hang out in the garden and the sheds or grow flowers or veg in a box planter.  It’s our little oasis.” Greening Brownfield is part of the Poplar & Bow Green Network