Brockley community garden. Photo: Catalina May

Brockley residents worked together yesterday as they weeded and tidied flower beds in Brockley Common, a community garden in the area.

The project was led by Brockley Cross Action Group, an organisation of local volunteers who have worked to improve the community and environment of Brockley Cross since its foundation in 2000.

The community garden, which is situated beside Brockley station, is run in partnership with the action group, Lewisham Council and the rail authority. The council has built steps and an access ramp while Brockley volunteers planted about 1500 shrubs and plants earlier this year.

Rupert King, chair of Brockley Cross Action Group, said: “This area was a wasteland but we thought we could do something special here – it’s quite a lot of land. After years we got everyone around the table and now we have this beautiful and safe place which we can be proud of.”

Around 20 volunteers participated in yesterday’s event.  Helen Cockerill, a local resident, said: “I use the station everyday and I really enjoy the garden, so I thought it was quite important to contribute to that.”

Another resident Adam Wilkinson said: “I have lived in Brockley since 2001 and it has the most fantastic sense of community. I’m here to help with the garden but also because it is a great social occasion.”

Mr. King is determined to continue to reach out to the Brockley community.

“We want to promote community spirit and bring people together; promote the feeling that you belong in a local community and you help to make this area a better place and put it on the map.”

The next Brockley Cross Action Group event will be the Brockley Christmas market on December 11.

Brockley Cross Action Group website.

For previous ELL coverage on Brockley Common click here.