Category Archives: Permaculture

Swift Nestboxes and the Circular Economy

Swifts are captivating summer visitors, known for their acrobatic flying and high-speed maneuvers. These social birds, returning from South Africa each May, are facing a decline in nesting sites due to building renovations. To support swifts, consider installing Swift Nestboxes on your home. These boxes, made from reclaimed materials, provide a durable, safe nesting space. The Harringay Swift Group offers installation assistance and a demonstration swift call module to attract the birds. By participating in initiatives like Swiftmapper, you can also contribute to citizen science and support swift conservation efforts in your community.

History of Meadow Orchard: From Tennis Courts to Local Green Space

The Meadow Orchard Community Garden in Crouch End, London, is a 1.5-acre site formerly used as tennis courts. The site, behind Hornsey Medical Centre, has a rich history, with aerial photos from 1947 showing tennis courts and allotments. It was home to two tennis clubs, Harefield Club and Circle 23, before declining demand led to the sale of the land to the NHS in the 1990s. In 2010, it became a community garden. Historical maps and local photos can offer more insight into its past. If you have photos or knowledge of the site, please contact us.

January at MOP

Discover the exciting progress we’ve made this winter at Meadow Orchard Project! From completing bulb planting and tree sapling collections to building a Three Sisters bed with our female volunteers, we’ve been busy. We’ve also installed nest boxes, mulched, and worked on the roundhouse lighting for upcoming spring events. Plus, we’re preparing for the Spring Solstice with yoga, Kung Fu, and a Singing Walk with Emily Hannah. Join us as we continue to nurture our garden, support local wildlife, and plan amazing community events. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming workshops and activities!

Fedges v Hedges: Sustainable Living Willow Fences

Discover the benefits of fedges—sustainable, living fences that combine the best of fences and hedges. Made from fast-growing plants like willow, fedges provide a natural barrier that becomes stronger, sturdier, and more beautiful over time. Unlike wooden fences that deteriorate, fedges improve with age and offer an eco-friendly alternative. Easy to maintain, willow is perfect for creating fedges, and its cuttings can be repurposed for other garden projects. Learn how fedges can protect plants, enhance your garden’s aesthetic, and offer long-term benefits for both privacy and sustainability. Ideal for gardeners looking for a practical and attractive solution.

Growing Together: Meadow Orchard Fosters Community & Sustainability

At Meadow Orchard, we believe in the power of community and sustainable gardening to foster a more connected, eco-conscious world. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, our garden provides a welcoming space to learn, grow, and contribute. In this post, we’ll explore key initiatives, share sustainable gardening tips, and highlight ways you can get involved this season. Join us in building a thriving, eco-friendly community through collaboration and education.

Outdoor Workshop: Creative Activities in Nature

As part of our Permaculture project, we prioritize making items onsite instead of purchasing them. Over the coming year, we have a variety of woodworking activities planned, ideal for anyone looking to learn practical DIY skills. Participants will gain hands-on experience with basic hand and cordless power tools while creating useful items for our community garden.

Our well-equipped outdoor space, including a growing collection of tools and tarp shelters, ensures a productive environment for all-weather projects. We’ll also be reclaiming pallet wood for several fun, functional projects.

If you’re interested in joining us, please reach out via email using the link below!

Outdoor Community Oven: Support Local Project with Freshly Baked Goods

In October 2024, we hosted a community bread bake fundraiser at our outdoor clay oven to support Toilet Twinning, a charity that helps provide clean water, basic toilets, and hygiene education to communities in need. Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and donors, we raised £60 for the cause. As a result, our composting loo at Meadow Orchard is now twinned with a toilet in Nepal! Visit our loo shed to see the certificate proudly displayed. Join us for future events and help support important global initiatives!

iNaturalist 2024: Wildlife Observations & Biodiversity Highlights

Explore the highlights of our iNaturalist Year in Review 2024! This year, our community has made incredible contributions by documenting a diverse range of wildlife, from rare plant species to local animal sightings. With the help of volunteers and nature enthusiasts, we’ve built a valuable collection of observations that showcase the biodiversity in our area. Check out our year-end summary and join us in continuing to track and protect local wildlife in the coming year

Hügelkultur at MOP

Hügelkultur is a gardening method that involves creating raised garden beds using decomposing wood and other organic materials. The word “hügelkultur” comes from the German words hügel (meaning hill) and kultur (meaning culture or cultivation), essentially meaning “hill culture.” Key Features of Hügelkultur Benefits of Hugelkultur Hugelkultur is a sustainable and efficient method of gardening,Continue reading “Hügelkultur at MOP”