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.
Tag Archives: nature
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.
The Soil Foodweb
Organic gardening At Meadow Orchard we try to practice organic growing, relying on complex natural ecosystems, working with nature to maintain healthy and fertile soil. Mycelium Networks Paths at Meadow Orchard are mulched with waste organic matter, branches and a deep layer of woodchip. These paths create drainage, help retain moisture and provide support aContinue reading “The Soil Foodweb”
Big Garden Birdwatch 2025
Big Garden Birdwatch The Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 is an annual event organized by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). It invites people to spend one hour counting the birds that visit their gardens. They can also count them in local green spaces (Meadow Orchard Project). Participants then submit their results, helpingContinue reading “Big Garden Birdwatch 2025”
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.
Xmas Tree Hunt II 🎄🪓
Christmas trees are a great source of organic matter for urban community gardens! last year we collected around 50 trees from nearby gardens, this year we’re hoping to build on that record! Charity Christmas Tree Collection Tree CollectionsJanuary 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Drop your tree off:Sat’s & Wed’s 12 – 4pm (For out ofContinue reading “Xmas Tree Hunt II 🎄🪓”
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”
Meadow Orchard Project 