Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden is a rediscovered wild space in the heart of Deptford.
A collaboratively run community space in Deptford. Local residents manage and maintain this unique and mature green space, that it is free and open to all. The community rediscovered the garden after the old school closed down and it is now shared as a “common resource". Despite the sites uncertain future due to its proposed development, the community want to ensure it is saved and enjoyed as a public space for the people of Deptford, now and in the future.
What is the garden?
Where is the garden and what is it's importance?
The garden is situated right in the heart of Deptford. It lies just behind the busy and bustling Deptford High Street. The garden is a tranquil wild space, amongst an area of high-density housing in a culturally diverse area, where local residents have little access to other ‘quality’ green space. The garden entrance is on Reginald Road, behind its gates is a wild and intriguing space, waiting to be discovered!
The Friends of Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden have declared its importance as an invaluable and needed open space for Deptford. The group, made up of residents, volunteers and people working in the area, want to protect and save the garden from development so that its benefits can be enjoyed for generations to come.
With help and support from the community, the group seek to negotiate with the council and the appointed developers, to retain the garden within the proposed development. They envisage an alternative, whereby the community have a voice as stakeholders over the future management and usage of the site. Keeping the garden as a common resource, developing the projects that are already taking place and ensuring the garden stays open and accessible to all.
The garden was first opened to the wider public in September 2012. A group called Assembly who resided as guardians in the primary school building initiated the project. Seeing the gardens potential the group, working with local residents, partners and funders, have developed the site into a thriving community space with many uses. The site, as well as being awarded Pocket Park status by the GLA, has also become a hub for community gardening and cooking, free play and many other creative activities. The site is now maintained and managed by the Friends of Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden. You can find out how to join on the Get involved page.
Recent garden history (2013-present)
Friends of Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden
The Friends of old Tidemill Garden are a diverse group of residents, living and working in Deptford. As volunteers, they regularly open the space, organise open meetings to discuss the management, maintenance and activities in the garden. The group welcome anyone who would like to get involved by: volunteering, helping organise activities, fund raising, promoting the garden or campaigning for its protection.
"It's a stunningly beautiful and tranquil place in the heart of Deptford, and a fantastic opportunity to bring the local community together."
Quote from Old Tidemill Wildlife garden volunteer
