Tag Archives: biodiversity

Get Involved at Meadow Orchard: A Haven for Nature, Learning, and Community

At Meadow Orchard, we offer a rich and varied volunteer experience where you can connect with nature, learn new skills, and be part of a vibrant, caring community. Here’s just some of what you can get involved in: Gardening & Growing Orchard & Meadow Care Rewilding & Permaculture Wildlife & Ecology Beekeeping Community & Well-beingContinue reading “Get Involved at Meadow Orchard: A Haven for Nature, Learning, and Community”

Ecological Succession in Soil Regeneration

Ecological succession is the natural process by which ecosystems recover and regenerate after disturbances. It begins with pioneering species like lichens and mosses, which help break down rock and enrich the soil. As the soil thickens, grasses, small plants, and eventually shrubs and trees establish themselves. Over time, this process leads to the formation of mature ecosystems such as forests or grasslands. Ecological succession enhances soil fertility, prevents erosion, restores biodiversity, and aids in carbon sequestration. Human interventions, such as replanting native species and adding soil amendments, can accelerate this process, helping to restore degraded land and promote ecological balance.

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.

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.

Project Proposals @MOP

Help Us Grow: Share Your Ideas! Whether you’re passionate about gardening, sustainability, permaculture, eco-building, ecology or other creative projects, we invite you to contribute your thoughts and ideas. Your input is valuable in helping to shape this space to reflect the needs and interests of our beautiful community. Here’s how you can get involved:

Join our Bio-Blitz

Become a citizen scientist! Help us learn more about the Flora and Fauna on site at Meadow Orchard by joining our project on iNaturalist. Over the last year, our volunteers have helped us collect a whopping 229 observations and identified 130 species! Each submission helps us to map the Biodiversity across our site. How to getContinue reading “Join our Bio-Blitz”