Help Green the Grid in Southfields and beyond

Bianca suggests the Green the Grid initiative in Southfields is a model for all of us!

If you were to take a look at your neighbourhood, would you say it was green? Biodiverse? Ecological? The Southfields Grid Association decided it was time to take the streets’ landscaping into their own hands. The trees that line the streets and avenues provided a unique opportunity. Using planks to create raised beds, plants could be placed throughout the neighbourhood, encouraging pollinators and brightening up the streets.

Bringing neighbours closer

I don’t live exactly in “the grid” unfortunately, being a road away. Nonetheless, two weeks ago the people living on my street took part in this environmental initiative. From what I observed, community gardening was positive for my neighbourhood. It brought people out of their houses, as children ran about contributing to an enthusiastic chatter as well as greening their streets. We were able to chat to people we simply had not talked to in months because of the strains lockdown had put on our socialising and communication.

Charlotte, the Merton representative at Number 26 explained, “Gardening is just as important for wellbeing as it is for nature. Apparently the happiest people in the UK are the ones who own an allotment! Planting a few bee-friendly plants and seeing bees buzzing around the garden is very satisfying. When Merton launched the Greener Streets campaign it brought the whole street together, working on creating something beautiful and beneficial to everyone. It was such a great day for everyone involved. It was a great example of how a few plants and some digging can bring people together.”

Get involved, wherever you are!

You don’t have to live in the Southfields area to take part in this delightful ecological initiative. Just find an empty bit of ground around a tree, and get planting. And while you are at it, get your neighbours to join in too! Here on Mansel Road we are encouraging the school’s neighbours to have a go and get green-fingered. This is in the hopes of brightening up our wider school community – so watch this space! For inspiration, here are photos of some of the mini gardens set up on my street.