Hackney, London
- Postcode Gardener: Rachael Cohen
- Hosted by: ecoACTIVE
- Get in touch via Instagram with Hackney Postcode Gardener, Daubeney Fields or ecoActive
In 2018 we launched our first ever Postcode Gardener project in Hackney, with a vision to make the area 10x greener. Working with local partner ecoACTIVE and volunteers, the community hired the UK's first Postcode Gardener, Kate Poland, to co-create a greener neighbourhood. Over 6 years, the community sowed seeds, planted in margins and made space for nature.
Young people have planted flowers for pollinators as part of a 4 km "Buzzline" across Hackney.
Street planters of all shapes and sizes have created greener streets for everyone to enjoy.
"Gardening brings people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels together to contribute towards a common goal."
Connecting kids with nature
"It's lovely to see how engaged the children in Hackney are with the gardening project. They’ve loved getting their hands in the soil, watching the plants grow and connecting with the community."
Once one of the most nature-deprived areas in the country, Daubeney Fields in Hackney is now flourishing with wildflower meadows and pollinator-friendly plants. All dug and sown by the local community with help from their Postcode Gardener, as well as community ecologist Gerry Tissier.
Reaping the fruits
We supported Hackney to secure a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to develop the Hackney Buzzline – a flower-rich wildlife corridor linking 4 parks to boost bee and butterfly populations and help residents connect with nature.
Although we're no longer funding the project ourselves, Hackney is still a valued member of our Postcode Gardener network. A massive thanks to Hackney’s staff and volunteers for their enthusiasm and commitment. We wish them all the best for the future.
