This proposal outlines a series of suggested enhancements for the Meadow Orchard Project garden space, aiming to create a friendly, safe, and accessible environment for all. We seek to share our love for nature, food growing, and learning, while fostering a vibrant and diverse community space. By embracing creativity, arts, and music, we aim to support local talent and create a lasting benefit for the surrounding area.
The following details the ongoing improvements at Meadow Orchard, focusing on improving accessibility, creating a productive garden space that is both sensory and visually appealing. These upgrades will enhance the overall functionality of the site and promote a more inclusive, sustainable, and engaging environment for all visitors.
We have made considerable progress in the space over the last year. Regenerating the compacted tennis court surface, breaking up the clinker and restoring fertile, healthy rich productive topsoil.
1. Removal of Fly-Tipped Materials
Ongoing clearing of accumulated waste materials along the boundary fence at the front of the site (to the right of the gate). Discarded pallets and scrap wood will be converted into biochar, which will be used to regenerate compacted soils in our grow beds. Reclaimed materials ordered and stored for later use.
2. Regenerate Soil and Rewild
The existing temporary lean-to bike store, relocated to a less prominent area. The space near the gate, rejuvenated with hedging, spring bulbs, and comfrey. Two-year-matured humanure compost applied to support the growth of non-edible plants and green manures. Ongoing bulb planting initiatives established in collaboration with Haringey Council, Metropolitan Parks and Gardens and Taylors Bulbs.
3. Improve Humanure Handling System
A clearer, more efficient system implemented to manage humanure. Modify several upcycled wheelie bins to ensure proper drainage, aeration, and ventilation. Deteriorating builders’ bags replaced with secure, labelled, and dated bins, allowing for an aerobic composting process. Clear instructions and an induction program will be provided for system management, with a team introduced to help oversee operations.
4. Reinstate Former Storage Areas as Grow Beds
The areas previously used for storing wood, lime, and large wheelie bins, transformed into additional green garden space. This long border spans the entire width of the garden, bordered with reclaimed wood and logs from tree works.
5. Increase Rainwater Storage Capacity
To address water scarcity, we will expand rainwater storage by adding two more IBC tanks beneath the existing ones, increasing the total storage capacity from 2,000 to 4,000 liters. A solar panel and sealed lead-acid batteries will be used to pump water to a second raised water tower near the polytunnel, providing gravity-fed irrigation. Additionally, a small roof will be added above the IBC tanks to boost rainwater collection.
6. Create Wheelchair Accessible Paths
We will establish a network of wide, accessible paths, 1.2 meters in width, around raised beds to accommodate wheelchair users and visitors accompanied by carers. These paths will initially be surfaced with woodchip, and once established, they may then be surfaced with self-binding gravel or gravel grids at a later date.
The path from the gate to the composting toilet and to the Roundhouse to be made accessibility. A second phase to connect the path to grow beds and polytunnel. Designed a gentle slope in the path to replace the narrow Roundhouse steps with a wide, step-free access. The estimated cost for materials is £917.81, from funds ring-fenced by the management committee for accessible paths.
7. Develop a Social Garden Space
An accessible social garden has been created, featuring a mix of seating areas and raised beds. Initially, low-level raised beds, with plans to add taller accessible beds as funds allow. A small rocket stove and gas hob has been included, offering visitors a space to enjoy hot drinks. A food prep area to encourage outdoor cooking and socialising.
8. Open Design Ideas to Visitors and Local Groups
We are actively inviting input from visitors, NHS staff, charity groups, Transition Town groups and other community gardens to contribute their ideas for garden design and planting. The space will feature flexible planting areas that can accommodate a variety of needs and interests. Planting will evolve annually, incorporating sensory elements such as scented plants (e.g., lavenders), as well as culinary and medicinal herbs.
9. Add Small Interactive Water Features
To enhance the sensory experience, we will introduce interactive water features, such as solar-powered pumps, mechanical pumps, or chain pumps. Shallow water features will be added for birds and insects, alongside a small wildlife pond to attract local fauna and add natural beauty. Additionally, a hoverfly lagoon, observation beetle trap, stumpery, and log wall have been constructed to provide additional habitats for wildlife.
10. Use Long Raised Beds Along the Boundary Fence
Long raised beds will be installed along the boundary fence, showcasing various permaculture techniques such as hugelkultur, no-dig gardening, biochar, lasagna beds, wicking beds, straw bale beds, and native hedging. These beds will improve security and create a habitat for wildlife, promoting biodiversity.
11. Beautify IBC Tanks
The IBC tanks will be enclosed with boards to provide easy access to valves. We will use greenwalling and climbers on trellises to enhance their appearance and protect them from UV damage. Reclaimed materials, such as waney-edge boards and pallet wood, will be used to disguise the IBC tanks while adding a rustic aesthetic and providing additional space for displays.
These improvements are designed to increase accessibility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal at Meadow Orchard. By enhancing wheelchair accessibility, creating sensory garden spaces, and incorporating sustainable permaculture practices, we aim to transform the orchard into a more inclusive and enjoyable space for all visitors.
Meadow Orchard Project 