CIISA- ENERGY GARDEN

Since I started volunteering at Brockley Community Gardens in Brockley Train station, I have gained a vast amount of knowledge about gardening, soil, and understanding plants in a deeper sense. So far we have dee weeded most of the banks, planted a variety of pollinators to help with gardens all around Brockley, sown wildflower seeds provided by my partner which come from the wildflower meadows that I took my soil recordings at, planted bulbs along the banks to brighten up the station and many more trees to create habitats for the local birds and animals. Being an involved part of my local community has meant that I have met so many others who see nature the way I do, we have spent sunny days talking and sharing our stories about gardening and the plants and bugs that we have encountered.

Not only is this our part in the community this is our eco activism. Through Callum’s teaching we can now spread our knowledge so many more people. The gardens first started with just me and Callum, now there around around 15 regulars who age from 21-55. This age range is incredible. It really goes to show that at all stages of life, we all yearn for a deeper connection with mother Gaia in whatever sense it may be.

This is an extract that Callum wrote about the people he works for and that ultimately we volunteer for:

Energy Garden is a community owned solar initiative that uses the profits from our large scale solar projects (installed on the roofs of transport depots across London) to invest in gardens across Londons rail network. Working with TfL, Councils and local organisations, we access disused trackside space and turn them into community spaces where local people can learn about horticulture, meet likeminded people and get involved in the co-creation of public space.

I love that not only are be doing our bit for the environment and the community but these gardens are funded by renewable energy- what an amazing thing. A man made renewable resource giving back in the form of flowers and habitats, beautifying communal spaces.

This is an extract from the Energy Garden website about Callum – my friend and the head gardener of Brockley station community gardens:

Community engagement officer:

Callum is interested in the conditions and spaces which empower strangers to come together, collaborate and communicate. He completed his MSc in Sustainable Urbanism from The Bartlett; and previously studied BA Politics, Economics & Philosophy at Goldsmiths, UOL. Similarly, experiences as a chef and as a freelance gardener in London have impressed upon him the importance of connecting people in cities to nature, to the food they eat, and to their local community.

Since I started volunteering with Callum he has encouraged me to take soil recordings in each of the gardens that he works at. So far I have taken recordings at Brockley station, Victoria Park and Ladbroke Grove. Since taking these recordings his boss has taken an interest in what I do and has asked if me and cam could come together and make a blog on the underground sounds of the gardens. This will be an ongoing project working with Energy Gardens. Each time I will take recordings I will also be spending my time volunteering each week at these different locations, constantly learning more and more about the different areas in London and the way that these gardens work. As I am new to using Geofon’s I don’t particularly think that I am qualified for this, but I think for them its showing that the gardens can cater for all and its interesting swell fro them to be able to show people sonically what these spaces are like. I look forward to working with Callum and his team, creating a relationship that I hope can carry me on to a future job or job relating to my practice.