Community Work//
These are smaller urban community projects where the residents are considered the main client. This area of work is founded on good and inclusive community consultation and implemented with the resident’s assistance. The involvement in the legacy and management of a space directly with the end user is both rewarding and ensures its sustainability.
Bethnal Green Fingers Gardening Group, east London.
Client: Spitalfields Housing Association.
Landscape architect/gardener: Antony Nelson.
Gardening & maintenance support: The residents of Dinmont Estate.
Local Authority: Tower Hamlets.
Active: 2009 onwards.
I have always been passionate about residential engagement, plants and gardening and the benefits they can bring to a community.
11 years ago I set up a community gardening club on my estate called Bethnal Green Fingers which has been a great success.
Our Housing Association have supported us over the years as they also recognise the benefits it can bring to their estate.
In 2020 I started extending the idea of the community garden clubs to developers, housing associations and council housing providers and have recently secured my first commission with Southern Housing Group in Whitechapel.
Fieldgate Mansions Community Centre, Whitechapel, London.
Client: Southern Housing Group.
Landscape architect/gardening support: Antony Nelson.
Gardening & maintenance support: The residents of Fieldgate Mansions.
Local Authority: Tower Hamlets.
Active: 2020 onwards.
In 2020 I was approached by Southern Housing Group to consult with the residents of their gardening group who needed guidance and improvements to their community centre gardens. Their wish list included a Kodu (a popular Bangladeshi gourd) structure as well as biodiversity enhancement.
This project is due to be completed in early summer 2021 and involve regular community gardening days and a final event.