In late 2018, Octopus Community Network’s Urban Growing team took over a derelict sports pitch on the Tufnell Park Estate. With the help of local people, they transformed it into a community growing space, seeking practical solutions to address climate change and benefit the community.
The site is home to the Octopus Learning Hub, where local volunteers grow a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs and pollinator friendly flowers, connecting people to the food they eat and their natural environment. Growing food locally, reducing food waste, managing soil and water run-off, improving biodiversity and turning unused land into growing space supports our communities and improves urban life.
Through mapping potential and existing growing spaces, upskilling and supporting local groups, and providing a platform for residents to meet and share what they know, the team hopes that this will be a starting point for local people to develop new growing spaces.
Community Development Officer: Billy Styles
Visitor Information
Open
Saturday 10:00–16:00
Activities
Plant sale and refreshments (drinks only) - donation requested. Seed sowing and potting on activities available.
Entrance
Tufnell Park Estate, Behind Hollins and McCall Houses Nearest postcode: N7 0PH
A silver medal winner at the Chelsea Flower Show 2024, the garden was relocated to Freedom from Torture's London Therapy Centre, where it is being used for horticultural and other therapies for survivors of torture. Guides available. Refreshments.
Community garden located on a former railway embankment. Features include a lawn, herbaceous borders, extensive woodland, an orchard, wildflower meadow, a wildlife pond, fruit and vegetable growing, and a greenhouse.
