Funded by Westminster City Council through the Neighbourhood Keepers programme, I worked with artist Anna Winstanley to deliver a series of nature-themed workshops and a mini-festival, connecting local people to their natural environment. This is during a time of major regeneration – and associated uncertainty – in the Church Street Ward. Please scroll down for more information and gallery, and check out our FaceBook page.
Highlights and outcomes:
- Public engagement events in Church St market and in Broadley Street Gardens: we engaged a diverse population of residents and others, creating a welcoming atmosphere and a safe space where participants could talk freely about the environment and other issues as well as meet new people
- By listening respectfully to people’s ideas and concerns, and carefully recording these, we gave participants the sense that they have a voice and can effect change
- Establishment of a meaningful partnership with the Church St Community Champions, who were able to provide volunteers and translation services to our events, maximizing the opportunities for communication
- Delivery of a Festival Day in July which brought together multiple practitioners and partner organisations in two venues and which was supported and endorsed by Westminster Parks and the London National Park City Festival
- Multiple physical and social legacies: the establishment of a Community Wildflower Meadow in Broadley Street Gardens, the construction and installation of flower planters outside the Newpin Family Centre, and the development of a growing space in Boldero Place, run by a new partnership between Newpin and local residents
