Light falling on water, filled with glorious green growth. This is one of several ponds at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, a nature reserve where the sole member of staff, the ever-energetic, creative and productive Ken Greenway, works with dedicated volunteers to keep the historic green heart of Tower Hamlets beating.
It’s amazing to step off the noise and dust of the tower-blocked Mile End Road into woodlands and meadows full of stunning flowers and wildlife. There’s so much natural and human history packed into 33 acres.
The 19th century Cemetery Park runs a huge programme of events, workshops and courses for all ages: from wild food walks to studying butterfly conservation alongside heritage research. Its ponds have been built and nurtured over a surprisingly short space of time to house all manner of plants and snails, beetles and amphibians.
Ken kindly offered us some of their greenery to kick start our baby pond in the Forest Garden. It is lovely to think that we’ll also be able to inspire children and their families to learn more about pond biodiversity, as well as bringing more beauty to the Farm.
Clicky Piccy!
