Residents at Ring House and Solander Gardens in Shadwell can now grow their own fruit and vegetables thanks to a new Community Food Garden set up by Tower Hamlets Homes in partnership with residents.
Opened officially in March 2011 by Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, the Community Food Gardens have been established in patches of land that were attracting anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping. At the launch, the Mayor planted a cherry tree in one of the gardens with resident Pat Chowdhury, who was instrumental in setting up the gardens. The Mayor praised the efforts of the staff and residents for transforming a badly used area into one that will bring communities together and enhance the environment.
Residents of Ring House and the surrounding area came along to the launch and fun day to sign up to get their own plot to grow food in – the 15 residents who signed up on the day received a free pack with some seeds and energy saving items.
Gavin Cansfield, Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Homes, said, “I’m really pleased with this project – the gardens give residents a great opportunity to work side by side, improve the community they live in as well as growing their own healthy and nutritious food.”
For more information on what Tower Hamlets Homes is doing to encourage local food-growing, see the Growing Communities page on the THH website.
