Whittington Estate

Brutalist architecture and a familiar backdrop to TV shows, this housing estate is home to many garden beds in need of a little love. While some have been lovingly cared for by residents, others could use a fresh dose of healthy soil and TLC. Growing Green is stepping in to rejuvenate several of these spaces, with the hope of inspired residents who are joining us in transforming the entire estate into a haven of beauty, biodiversity, and sustainability.

Together, we can create something truly special—and every helping hand makes a difference!

Latest Update

Update June '24: We’ve transformed 15 beds, thoughtfully combining fruit trees and soft fruit with wildflowers, perennials, climbers, and shrubs—all chosen with biodiversity, beauty, and community benefits in mind. We’re enjoying watching the plants settle in.

The plants are growing beautifully—though a few have become a snack for slugs! Overall, we’re thrilled with the progress, and the residents are delighted too.

Update November ‘24: The Whittington Estate has won Best Community Nature Garden at the 2024 Camden in Bloom awards!

Rewilding strategies

Soil improvement

2023

Drought-resistant plants

2023

Spring bulbs

Fruit trees & shrubs for residents

2023

Pollinator-friendly perennials

2024

Log piles and other habitats

2024

Pollinator friendly plants

Pollinator perennials bring bees, butterflies, and vibrant life to every space—and we saw their numbers soar this summer on the estate!
Teamwork in action

Growing Green team busy cutting back overgrown shrubs and preparing this bed for some perennial plants.
The Orchard AFTER

One of our first beds, the orchard and wildflowers, continues to thrive. It’s a joy knowing residents can now enjoy fresh apples right on their doorstep.
The Orchard BEFORE

Before the transformation: a tangle of overgrowth and dead bamboo waiting for new life.
Small spaces

No space is too small to burst with life! We maximise every inch to create vibrant havens for pollinators, proving that even the smaller beds can make a big difference.
Signage

Signs help residents connect with the spaces, know what’s growing, and feel encouraged to enjoy and care for them!
Straw layer

The soil here was quite poor, but we’ve been working hard to enrich it and give plants a better chance to thrive. Adding mulch and straw layers helps retain moisture, nourish the soil, and support healthy growth!
Digging in

Our amazing volunteers bring energy, care, and heart to every project. Together, we're transforming spaces and making a real difference.