An park in an urban area. There's a wall which has images on it remembering the Grenfell tragedy, as well as drawn illustrations of nature. There's a couple of trees too.

Postcode Gardener in Notting Dale, London W10 and W11

Notting Dale, London W10 and W11

The Westway Trust is busy recruiting its Postcode Gardener to work with the community of Notting Dale. The West London neighbourhood is densely populated and subject to heavy pollution caused by a busy flyover which dominates the surrounding streets.

Early plans are focusing on accessibility for all residents, with the team looking at creating green spaces for kids to play in, and other areas where elders can meet and relax.

As with all our Postcode Gardeners, bringing the community together and seeing the mental health benefits of collective gardening is just as important as the planting.

A block of flats that has been greened - lots of plant pots and trees, as well as places to sit.

Nature can be a place to be expressive and reflective.

It’s also a great learning environment. I was working with some children not long ago, and I asked them if they knew where courgettes came from, and they named a supermarket. This partnership with The Co-operative Bank will help people increase their knowledge of the relationship with food and the environment.

I’d also like to see some of the green spaces that are neglected in the postcode to be transformed and for the groups to come together to and go on to do other activities. Government is doing less, so people need to be enabled to do more.

Chief Executive of Westway Trust

Hopes for a greener community

A woman stood outside her business "Sister Size" - her business sign is lit of in neon and she's looks like she's mid-speech and has expressive hands

Nature is so important. We can have nature on our doorstep with a concerted effort, if it was considered in the infrastructure and design of our communities.

I’d like to get involved with more local garden projects. I’d definitely be part of anything that’s taking place where I live.

Local resident and business owner

Local resident in Notting Dale

Nature is a natural therapy. The local area needs more green spaces for us, and for the youth and the children. It encourages a better and healthier lifestyle increases our wellbeing.

I’d like to see introductory sessions into gardening. It’s important for children to learn how to sow seeds and grow natural products, especially now that there’s so many chemicals in our food. It’s important to learn to grow our own.

Lifelong resident and creative

A man dressed in black, looking relaxed facing the camera and smiling. He's stood outside a gym.

A lot of children live in Notting Dale so it’s really important they have access to green space. They need more than just building blocks, motorways and roads. There definitely should be more greening and nature in this area – it encourages people to go outside.

When there’s green spaces, people tend to come out more, seat on benches, relax and take in the nature around them. It settles the mind. It’s good for the soul.

Worker in the local area