Since opening in September, Walthamstow Wildside Community Garden has quickly become a vibrant hub for nature, creativity, and community connection. To mark its successful first few weeks, we’re sharing a Q&A with Oscar Thompson, the founder of Wildside Projects and one of the driving forces behind the garden. Read on to discover the project’s roots, the innovative gardening techniques being used, and how you can get involved in this flourishing green space.
We’re so excited about the opening! What’s the story behind this project, and how does it feel to see this dream finally become a reality?
It’s a collaboration between Nomadic Gardens, Community Sauna Baths, and Wildside Projects. We’ve had the opportunity to turn a vacant development site into a much-needed space for wellbeing, learning, and growth.
Could you tell us about your background in landscape gardening and what inspired you to get involved with this community-focused project?
I’ve worked for environmental charities and privately. This is the first time I’ve had the freedom to use almost entirely waste materials and turn them into something useful and beautiful.
Is there a specific plant or gardening technique you’re particularly excited for the community to discover and engage with?
As the site is ex-industrial and almost entirely concrete and rubble, we’ll be using the hugelkultur method of soil creation in the beds. This technique should help produce top-quality fruit and vegetables, as well as significantly increase local biodiversity.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to start gardening, no matter the size or location of their space?
Have no fear — there’s no right or wrong way to do things. The best thing I’ve found is to try and think like a plant (where it’s originally found and the environmental factors it prefers), and let that guide you. Go full plant Jedi!
Beyond growing plants, what kind of events and activities can people look forward to?
We’ll hopefully be holding craft workshops, talks, music nights, and film screenings.
What’s your biggest dream or goal for the Wildside Community Garden? What do you hope it becomes in the next few years?
It becomes a home from home for locals and visitors alike. I also hope it inspires more green community spaces, especially on disused sites.
Where can people get involved and find out more about the community garden?
You can pop in when the sauna is open — the garden is free and open to everyone during daylight hours — or feel free to email me at [email protected] if you’d like to get stuck in with the chicken team or vegetable gang!
Walthamstow Wildside Community Garden is open now!
Follow @wildsideprojects
Access via Community Sauna Baths:
47 Sutherland Road, E17 6BH
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Sunday, 8am – dusk