Since its inception in 2004, Forest Farm Peace Garden (FFPG) has brought together hundreds of people across east London to regenerate a derelict allotment space through organic food growing, conservation, and a whole range of educational, artistic, and cultural activities.  As a member of the board, I have witnessed the garden's driven staff and ever growing number of participants turn their vision and ideals into an inspiring reality.

Driven by the integrated permaculture design and organizational principles of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share, FFPG has in a few short years, become a model of urban community building that adeptly addresses a host of issues from local food systems, to social marginalization, to biodiversity and sustainability, to mental and physical health, to youth empowerment.  In addition to the daily growing, cooking, and sharing of food, the garden is a space for educational and artistic workshops, a place to share best practice in conservation, gardening, beekeeping & sustainable energy, to name a few.  It also provides an important therapeutic social space for refugees and asylum seekers, mental health service users, learning disability groups, and range of other groups that may be experiencing social isolation. 

Amidst the sprawl of east London and tensions of living in a fast-growing, ever-changing metropolis, FFPG is an aesthetically beautiful haven of belonging, creativity, and collaboration, and has received commendation from participants, community group partners, funders, and local government alike.  Like all small grassroots organizations however, FFPG deals with the whims of funding cycles and is currently in need of your generosity! 

To support this amazing space and the community of people that make it what it is, I will be running a half marathon next month along London's Grand Union Canal.  Every donation goes straight to FFPG's work and I can tell you as a trustee, I have been consistently blown away by the breadth and depth of the impact made by our efficient staff and volunteers on a limited budget.  Also, if you're a UK taxpayer, we are registered with Gift Aid, so your donation can go even farther.  Whatever you can give will make a difference, and if possible dig deep (pun intended ☺) !