Funding success for Brockley Common

Following last years successful transformation of the land next to Brockley Station we are delighted to announce that a joint bid to the Localities Fund by the Brockley Cross Action Group and Transition Brockley has been successful in gaining funds to continue the project at the station.

The project has two distinct elements, which are linked by their location alongside each other at the northern end of Brockley Common, the community-inspired public open space between Coulgate Street and Brockley Station.


1. A community wildflower meadow on the bank above Coulgate Street, at the north end of the site next to the railway bridge.

2. A community fruit & vegetable garden on the level area above and adjoining the bank, at the north end of Brockley Common.

Both elements will be created and maintained by members of Transition Brockley and BXAG and gardening volunteers from the local Brockley community.

The land is currently unused – though the level area was the site of an initial community garden in the summer of 2010 – and is earmarked as the site of the final phase of Brockley Common, comprising a circular performance & seating areas and steps back down to Coulgate Street. At present no funding has been identified for this work so rather than leave the site as wasteland the two Groups wish to combine to create a temporary garden space that will benefit local people and enhance the local environment.

The aims of the project are as follows:

COMMUNITY FRUIT & VEGETABLE GARDEN

• To promote awareness of the importance of locally grown organic food.
• To put into practice Transition Brockley’s commitment to develop ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and promote a more sustainable low carbon community.
• To implement organic principles to minimise damage to the environment.

WILDFLOWER MEADOW

• To create a beautiful, colourful & flowery feature in a prominent location that will enhance the local environment for both residents and passing commuters on what is a heavily used road.

Both projects will also encourage local wildlife and in particular attract bees by providing much needed nectar plants. For local volunteers it will provide opportunities to get involved in healthy gardening activities, learn about the growing and harvesting of fruit & vegetables and find out about the principles that underpin the project.

More news on when this gets going on the blog!