High Line Green Infrastructure Ideas Competition

This was our entry for the High Line Green Infrastructure Ideas Competition......we decided to build on our experience of working in Harlesden by exploiting the nearby Grand Union Canal, Harlesden's culture of markets and its neglected pocket parks. Our idea was a simple one..moor canal boats by the Willesden Junction section of the canal, grow fruit and vegetables in the pocket parks and sell it on the towpath. You could set up cafes, shops and even grow the produce in some canal boats as well. It would be the ultimate hydroponic experience. We linked the local Harlesden connection to a rejuvenation of the whole length of the canal down to Ladbroke Grove near Portobello Road. Alas we were not short listed but it was worth the fun.

Challenge Close Pocket Park Harlesden London

On September the 15th a community consultation day was held in Challenge Close Pocket Park in Harlesden, North West London. We have been working with local organisations including Lift, Catalyst Housing Association and Brent Council on a voluntary basis on this project. The aim is to reclaim this small parcel of neglected land and give it back to the community. All sorts of ideas have been mooted ranging from mini allotments, a cafe and bike repair shop to a wildlife haven. The results were hugely encouraging with over 200 people dropping by on a lovely sunny afternoon, leaving over 70 answered questionnaires and numerous comments and expressions of interest on the notice boards. As a consequence we are holding a public meeting to form an action group.....progress is slow on these types of projects with lengthy slack periods when nothing (apparently) is happening. But I got a real buzz as neighbours and local Harlesdenites turned up and delivered a strong positive reaction to the idea of doing something. It really makes it worthwhile.