Over more than a decade, Lammas Forest Garden in Ealing has transformed from a long derelict and misused hardcourt tennis enclosure into a vibrant green area. It is a patchwork of trees, thickets and grassland, much loved by both the local community and by local wildlife. The green space accommodates Ealing Transition’s community orchard, which is managed and supported by a local group of volunteers and an informal partnership with Ealing Park Rangers.
The garden is home to an abundance of wide variety of wildlife, including birds, insects and small mammals. Recent work focuses on encouraging the return of once common hedgehogs. Since, we wanted to encourage the return of once common hedgehogs, it seemed obvious we would need hedges!
They were able to obtain donations of several hundred native hedgerow plants. Through three sessions planted two hedges alongside the wire mesh tennis fences. One of these hedges replaced the dead conifers, a poor choice to hide the courts. Using the plants, they also ‘darned’ gaps in the boundary hedges. Still there was enough plants left over for another small hedge in Village Park Allotment. Plus a micro forest inside the community orchard. To give the hedging a good start, they added layers of woodchip to smother invasive grass and to keep the new plants cool and damp.
Much fun and enjoyment was had by our 40+ helpers of all ages. Their wonderful reward is seeing a natural living feature, which will grow over many years. This will provide shelter and sustenance to many birds, insects and of course hedgehogs!
You can find out more information about Lammas Forest Garden on the GoParks page here. If you would like to help care for Lammas Forest Garden, contact us via steering@ealingtransition.org.uk and we will let you know how.
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