Spitalfields City Farm: urban farming, community health, and belonging
- Borough: Tower Hamlets
- Organisation: Spitalfields City Farm
- Topics: civil society, community life
Who we are
At Spitalfields City Farm, founded in 1978 and located in one of the most densely populated wards of Tower Hamlets on the edge of the City, we work with a vibrant and multicultural community to provide educational and volunteering opportunities for children and adults alike, empowering people to gain new skills, confidence, and combat social isolation.
We sat our volunteers down over a curry lunch, and asked them what makes this community strong, what we do to connect to the wider community, and what policy changes they want to see in relation to our space and others like it in the city.
What makes a community strong
Civic strength shines through in showing what keeps volunteers healthy, what inclusionary practice looks like in public green spaces, and what health benefits are gained in urban farming contexts.
There is statistical evidence showing that areas with wide opportunities for volunteering or working in nature reduces the use of local health services: a healthy, happy community is a strong and resilient one.
How we connect to the wider community
Anna says: "Policies need to protect and develop urban spaces that give people opportunities to interact with animals and nature. It is essential for health."
Image © Spitalfields City Farm
David says: "We all come here to be part of something. Belonging here means I belong to the wider local community. Otherwise, you are just another person."
Image © Toby Lamborn Photography
Jack says: "Everyone here is empathic, welcoming, and open. It is therapy for the community - you give therapy to the animals, and they give it back in return. It joins us all up."
Image © Toby Lamborn Photography
Jacob says: "Our volunteer community is so strong because we are valued, but also because we all spread awareness of the space's existence in the wider community."
Image © Spitalfields City Farm
Naomi says: "We think a lot here about what more we can do for the local community. People need valuable spaces they can access easily, for free, and belong to."
Image © Toby Lamborn Photography
Neil says: "I can think of few things more beneficial to community health than working outdoors in a tranquil environment with animal and plants."
Image © Spitalfields City Farm
Ro says: "Community is connection, hope, belonging, and chosen family. People are warmer, kinder, more open, when nurturing core needs like nature exposure and watching things grow."
Image © Spitalfields City Farm
Rosie says: "These community spaces are essential for good mental health - this is a green oasis, with animals, in the middle of the tech-heavy city. And we're accepted for who we are."
Image © Toby Lamborn Photography
Yann says: "Communities know what communities need. I always feel welcome here, and we all do things differently and learn from one another in a good space."
Image © Toby Lamborn Photography
The changes we would like to see
We would like to see more security and long term policy protections of green spaces and urban farms in this borough, more street signage towards these spaces from busy shopping and tourist spots to further amplify the value and importance of the work we do.
Find out more
Get in touch
If you have any questions about Spitalfields City Farm, please get in touch with Philip Nichols, CEO, at [email protected]
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