Connecting people with nature in the middle of the city

Somers Town, near King’s Cross, is a vibrant, busy and historic part of London. But the already crowded area has seen rapid redevelopment. The community needed a safe and accessible green space for people to enjoy. Local charity Global Generation and the British Library responded by developing the Story Garden, an urban oasis filled with fruit, vegetables and flowers. It’s the perfect place for people to meet up, learn new skills and escape the city.

We’re working with Global Generation to ensure more young people enjoy the benefits of this unique green space. Our grant of £23,229 will fund the ‘Growing Together’ project, so 155 students and local young people can take part in crafting and gardening activities.

As well as improving the mental and physical health of participants, the activities will benefit the local area and its residents. The Camden Mobile Food Bank, which sits next door to the Story Garden, will receive organic fruit and vegetables grown by participants. Since the pandemic, the food bank is under pressure to provide food parcels for three times as many families as it was before, and the Story Garden is making a big difference with their weekly harvest of nutritious fresh salads, fruit and vegetables.

Our grant will also help Global Generation to install a wheelchair-accessible pathway through the garden, and add a new poly-tunnel nursery to improve and expand what they can grow.