Often Bees and Hoverflies can look quite similar and it can be hard to tell them apart. Hoverflies don’t have a sting and some species have even evolved to look like Bees, Wasps and Hornets! In nature where a harmless species such as a hoverfly (the mimic) resembles a dangerous species i.e. a bee (theContinue reading “Lifecycle Differences: Bee v Hoverfly”
Monthly Archives: April 2025
Spring Bulbs @MOP💚🌺🌹🌷
Over the last couple of years we’ve signed up to receive free bulbs from the Haringey Parks Department, we’ve also signed up to receive bulbs from MPGA (Metropolitan Parks and Gardens Association) through their Bulbs for London Programme in association with Taylors Bulbs. We also supplemented these with another 160 native Bluebell and Fritillary bulbs.Continue reading “Spring Bulbs @MOP💚🌺🌹🌷”
Wood Firing: Unique Handcrafted Pottery Update
At Meadow Orchard, we’re excited to harvest our yellow London Clay for pottery, perfect for low-temperature wood-fired ceramics. The site, once tennis courts, is rich in clay and ideal for sustainable, locally sourced materials. Our permaculture ethos aligns with using local sustainable materials. We’ve built a clay roundhouse, a natural puddled clay pond, a clay oven, a clay rocket stove and now pottery feels like the next step. In spring, we’ll begin harvesting and testing the clay with local artists and ceramicists. Early test results are promising, and we can’t wait to share the process. Get in touch if you’d like to join us on this creative journey!
Community Seed Sow, Plant & Seed Swap at Meadow Orchard
Join us for the Community Seed Sow, Plant & Seed Swap at Meadow Orchard on Saturday 12th April 2025, from 1–4 pm, as part of the Happier Outdoors Festival! Celebrate spring by sowing seeds in mini propagators and swapping seeds, seedlings, and surplus plants with fellow gardeners. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned grower, this friendly event offers a great chance to connect, grow your garden, and support sustainable, community-based gardening. Located behind Hornsey Health Centre, N8. Donations welcome for plants, compost, and supplies. Let’s grow something beautiful—together! #SeedSwap #CommunityGardening #HappierOutdoors2025 #MeadowOrchard
Meadow Orchard: Crouch End Festival – June 4th – 15th
The View from Here: Community Art in the RoundhouseDates Exhibition open Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays, June 4th -15thTime 12.00 – 7.00pmPlease see links below for workshop dates and times About Meadow Orchard Our Art Exhibition The View from Here: Community Art in the Roundhouse takes place in our wondrous cob built roundhouse (made by overContinue reading “Meadow Orchard: Crouch End Festival – June 4th – 15th”
The Fascinating World of Yellow Meadow Ants
Discover the fascinating world of Yellow Meadow Ants (Lasius flavus) thriving in London’s urban landscape, especially in our disused tennis courts! These golden-yellow ants have adapted to clay soil and abandoned spaces, creating intricate underground tunnels. The combination of stable temperature, moisture retention, and minimal disturbance makes old tennis courts the perfect environment. Yellow Meadow Ants rely on a symbiotic relationship with aphids for sustenance and contribute to soil health. Learn how these ants, often unnoticed, play a crucial role in transforming neglected areas into thriving microhabitats. Explore their surprising presence in London’s green spaces today!
European Orchard Bees Nesting at MOP
Solitary Bees Our volunteers have been delighted to see a European Orchard Bee nesting in the habitat wall we installed on the side of our green metal tool shed last year. But what exactly are solitary bees and are they different from honeybees? When it comes to locating bee habitat, they pretty much like theContinue reading “European Orchard Bees Nesting at MOP”
Pedal Power Workshop – Postponed
Dates Dates and details to be confirmedTime 10.00am – 6.00pm CostWe want to make this course available to everybody, no matter your financial circumstances. The course is offered on a conscious contribution basis. Pay what you can afford and what you feel is fair for the teacher! Places are limited so please book early toContinue reading “Pedal Power Workshop – Postponed”
Song Circle and Vagabondi Puppets Fundraiser – Sat 3rd May ♪♫
We are holding a May Day Celebration at Meadow Orchard on Saturday 3rd May ’25. Lets celebrate the beginning of summer together at Meadow Orchard. Proceeds to support Meadow Orchard Project community garden. Details TBC. We will be offering a mixed range of activities during the day along with a Fireside song from 5.30. CheckContinue reading “Song Circle and Vagabondi Puppets Fundraiser – Sat 3rd May ♪♫”
Sociocracy Workshop – Sunday 18th May
Part two of Rakesh Rootsman Rak’s two day Sociocracy Workshop at Meadow Orchard Project, Crouch End, N8 8JD Date Sunday 18th MayTime 9.00am to 5.00pm https://tinyurl.com/SocLon2025 There are some subsidised places on this course for transition London Hub members. If you are part of a transition town group and want to make good decisions togetherContinue reading “Sociocracy Workshop – Sunday 18th May”
Meadow Orchard Project 