EDEN AT ST PAUL’S NEWSLETTER SPRING 2009

FRIENDS OF EDEN

WHAT WE NEED

Eden Garden is at the forefront of the ecological movement, according to our committed, long-time gardener Stephen Barney: “The way we plant focusses on species that are wildlife friendly.” Eden is not just a pretty place to sit in, it plays an important role in sustaining London’s biodiversity.

But we need a fundraiser

We are desperately looking for a fundraiser who can help us source ₤20,000. This is to pay a two-day a week manager and to finance projects. Since funding from the Bridgehouse Trust and Metropolitan Trust ran out in October, we can only afford Stephen for one day, paid for by small donations. Currently, we have no money to develop this great garden.

We have an excellent track record but finding money for salaries is tough. We’re looking for someone with the determination to seek out the resources we need for Eden to flourish.

Please contact: Rev Debbie Matthews on 0207 622 2128

ACHIEVEMENTS

We have received another – our third – Green Pennant award for 2008-09. This is part of the national Green Flag award scheme, and is given to high quality green spaces run by voluntary groups with a commitment to organic gardening, sustain-ability and community involvement.. Eden is one of only a handful of projects in Greater London to achieve this award. Education. The garden plays an important educational role in the neighbourhood. The Caterpillar Club for children organises activities; the Clap-ham Montessori school uses the garden regularly; while local primary schools and colleges also visit the site as part of their curriculum.

To join FRIENDS OF EDEN click here

WHAT WE DO

• Every Tuesday is a volunteer gardening day when Stephen is around to supervise the tasks and give advice in horticulture.
• Building a pond: Work started on the pond -where the bog garden used to be -in November when volunteers turned up to dig. The hole is now an oval shaped pond. Planting native species (including bullrushes) is the next step. There is a decking board walk around the pond in the shade of the Turkey oak tree; and a fence is planned.
• Beehives: Two beehives are now in residence managed by members of the London Bee-Keeping Association.
• Raised beds: There are a number of raised beds in the garden which individuals can tend -planting whatever vegetables or flowers take their fancy.
• Compost, recycling, yes.Water butts: coming soon.
• Pottery: The North Street pottery is moving in next door and will use Eden for its classes and hold open kiln days. This successful cooperative will bring a further dimension to Eden’s mission of serving the community.
• Parties: We hold two parties in the garden on the winter and the summer solstice. Next one: Sunday June 21. All welcome.

HISTORY

Eden at St Paul’s was founded in 2000. Its aim was to turn a piece of disused church land that runs down the side of Matrimony Place (between Rectory Grove and Wandsworth Road) into a green, organic inner-city space. Since then, much has been achieved. It is not only an area of delightful landscaping for recreation but promotes biodiversity through sustainable and organic planting.

Today’s visitors to the garden include: bats, endangered stag beetles, woodpeckers, crickets, dragonflies, and the house sparrow (the local flock will find the insect life of the pond an enticing source of food).

Eden was saved from redevelopment in the 1970s after a battle with Lambeth Council,who are now very helpful supporters of the garden.

The vision for Eden was developed by local residents in the wake of that threat. The site goes back one thousand years to the original church of Clapham. Later, the land was part of the manor house owned by Henry Atkins, physician to King James 1 in the 17th century. It had been a burial ground for victims of the Great Plague of 1665 and later for Roundhead soldiers killed in the Civil War battle for Battersea Marshes.

THE NATIONAL TRUST - A NEW NEIGHBOUR?

BECOME A FRIEND OF EDEN

Apart from the urgent -and immediate - search for a fundraiser we are looking for support from friends and neighbours and all those who are committed to helping Eden to flourish. The Friends of Eden project was launched in December with a party at the home of Julian and Sarah Lush: this raised £800. So many thanks to all who contributed then. This money has gone thlp pay our gardener for the last couple of months. Many thanks, too, to St Paul's community centre for their contribution.

So please join the "Friends" by filling in the form.

We would like to everyone to enjoy Eden Garden so it can remain a special place in the Clapham sun.