Dump sites used for growing veg

nlnews@archant.co.uk
29 October 2009

UNLOVED dumping spots are being transformed into gardens as a London-wide scheme bears fruit in Haringey.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are being grown on four plots spruced up under the Capital Growth scheme which "match makes" derelict land with enthusiastic gardeners.

Friends of Tottenham Marshes and The Permaculture Group have developed one site on the banks of the Lee canal by Stonebridge Locks that now nurtures fresh produce - including a recent pumpkin crop.

Tamsyn Wills, of the Permacultre Group, said: "It's essential to bring land back into use and what better use than growing food.

"Urban food growing allows some of us without gardens to learn skills and be more healthy as well as meet new people."

The Back to Earth Project is also creating a children's organic garden near Broadwater Farm Community Centre, Tottenham, and food is grown in Finsbury Park that is then used as a healthy snack for children.

Residents of the Metropolitan Housing Trust are converting an unused car park in Tottenham's Meridian Walk Estate.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "I want to make Haringey a greener

place. Capital Growth is a way to spruce up unloved patches in the borough and provide households with a ready supply of fruit and veg to boot."

Capital Growth was launched last November and is likely to be welcomed in Haringey after calls in July for waste land to be turned over for gardening to address a shortage of allotments.

Wendy Keenan, of the Permacultre Group, said: "Anything that facilitates the identification of land for food growth is a positive initiative."

Rosie Boycott, chairwoman of the London Food Board, encouraged people to register new plots suitable for a makeover. She said: "We welcome anyone who wants to donate a parcel of land for the community to use."

To find out more about the scheme visit www.capitalgrowth.org.