DEFRA showcases Tower Hamlets Homes work creating urban orchards and community food gardens

Archive News Story: July 2011
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Our work around community food projects has been showcased by DEFRA as part of the Governments’ Natural Choice White Paper, launched last week.

One of the ideas put forward within the proposal is strengthening local public health activities which connect people with nature for better health.

Over the past year, we’ve been making better use of our open spaces through resident-led community food growing projects and urban orchards. One such project in Bethnal Green is run by a group of residents called the Rocky Park Urban Growers; involves over 150 local people growing food, and has transformed a former crime hot spot into a thriving community hub.

“It’s a fantastic achievement, said Gavin Cansfield, Tower Hamlets Homes Chief Executive (pictured centre).

“It’s great to have the hard work of residents and Tower Hamlets Homes acknowledged by DEFRA.”

Our work around community food projects was also praised by the Minister for Agriculture & Food, James Paice during a debate in the House of Commons on community orchards recently.  He referred to: “the excellent work of Tower Hamlets Homes in providing access to green space and supporting healthy eating through resident-led community food projects, allotments and urban orchards.”

You can read the full transcript of the debate here:  http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2011-06-27a.729.0

Link to DEFRAs Natural Environment White Paper

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/natural/whitepaper/