We are a Hackney-based community-interest company focusing on connecting people with the natural world in creative and collaborative ways. Through innovative teaching and experiential learning, Cordwainers Grow hopes to connect and inspire a network of social and environmental innovators. We evolved out of Cordwainers Garden, a community growing space on land belonging to the London College of Fashion in Mare Street. We wanted to make the link with what the staff and students were doing inside the college to the outside so, in 2011 started growing plants for dyeing and to make fibre. The garden closed in April 2019, but Cordwainers Grow continues and we champion sustainable community growing in the face of increased competition for space and inequality of access. Please take a look at our Events page.
- Teach people about the environment in engaging and interesting ways
- Bring people together to encourage a feeling of community
- Provide a safe, welcoming space for participation, collaboration and self development
- Provide opportunities for people to gain skills and knowledge
- Promote healthy lifestyles
- Promote and encourage volunteering
- Work towards equality in green spaces.
- Running the Union of Hackney Gardens, Orchards and Green Spaces
- Campaigning to get the environment and food growing higher up the political agenda
- Growing greens to donate to the local community.
- Running an after-school club for families.
- Planning a new BLooM series - promoting and supporting women of colour working in environment and growing.