Loughborough Farm SW9

We have been involved in Loughborough Farm since its inception in 2013. A temporary community food growing project which took over derelict land next to the railway track, planting in builders bags to guard against contamination in the soil from the railway and probable war bomb damage, the project has gone from strength to strength. The project brings together volunteers from every section of the community who work together to sow, grow and harvest a variety of vegetables from around the world. It is a beacon in the area to show how community can be enhanced by communing in the great outdoors.

Since its inception the farm has taken over the Platform cafe across the road for two days a week, cooking and selling locally grown vegetarian food to the community as well as providing a venue for supper clubs, workshops, film screenings and musical and other events.

Lambeth Council received funding through the Mayor of London to build affordable work units on the site, which will provide workshops and shared kitchens for locals who are keen to set up food or fabric businesses, at peppercorn rents. In return the new tenants must agree to volunteer at the now-permanent farm which surrounds them. Up to date the farm has only been open for two days per week; once the buildings are complete the farm will be open for a minimum of six days a week.

Based around a permaculture principle of circular economy and re-use, minimising waste, the various parts of the farm seek to re-use what might otherwise go to landfill in new and inventive ways. The space has allowed many people to experiment with sustainable ideas: from scorching timber (shou sugi ban) to building furniture from waste wood and found objects.

We have been instrumental in curating a creative space at the back of the original farm where we have hosted music and poetry events on a stage created by local artists from the Warrior Studios collective.