Residents at an estate with reports of anti-social behaviour and structural issues have transformed it into an urban farm supplying local produce to the community.

An event was held on September 13 to celebrate the first stage of the project at Queen Mary’s Gate, in Queen Mary Avenue, South Woodford.

There were activities such as face painting, DJs, a bouncy castle and music, while volunteers sold salad bags, herbs, rhubarb, chillies and a selection of plants which had been grown on site.

Around 20 volunteers have been working with Circle 33, the housing association who own the estate, and community food growers Organiclea, to give the communal areas a garden makeover.

Weekly workshops were on offer to residents of the estate to hone their gardening skills and they are working towards a formal qualification in horticulture. 

Neil Brown, managing director of housing association Circle 33, said: “From the initial designs phase through to the planting and harvesting stages, the residents have shown great dedication and entrepreneurial flair throughout the project.

“They have not only turned the gardens into a vibrant space for the community, but potentially a thriving business as well.”

Volunteer Jamal Gaise, a 13-year-old who lives in the estate, said: “It was a good experience because I learned how to sell things and if I was on a market stall I could sell more.”

Residents have complained about structural issues at the estate, built five years ago, including ceiling collapses and mould, while CCTV was fitted in July after reports of anti-social behaviour.