Spitalfields City Farm: urban farming, community health, and belonging

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. 

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.