Urban farming has become a popular trend in recent years, as more people look for sustainable ways to grow their own food and reduce their carbon footprint. London, one of the world’s largest cities, is no exception to this trend. In this article, we’ll explore how many urban farms are in London and what they offer to the community.
What is Urban Farming?
Urban farming involves growing crops and raising animals within or near city limits. This can take place on rooftops, balconies, community gardens, and even abandoned lots. Urban farms aim to provide fresh, healthy food to urban communities while promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
How Many Urban Farms Are in London?
According to a survey conducted by the Greater London Authority in 2018, there are over 1000 community food-growing spaces across the city. These include allotments, community gardens, school gardens, and urban farms. However, exact numbers of urban farms are difficult to determine since they can vary in size and scale.
Notable Urban Farms in London
While there may be many small-scale urban farms scattered throughout the city, there are some notable ones that have gained recognition for their contributions to the community.
- The Skip Garden: Located in King’s Cross, The Skip Garden is a mobile garden built on repurposed skips (large metal containers). They grow vegetables and herbs using organic methods and offer workshops on sustainable living.
- Sutton Community Farm: This 7-acre farm in South London uses sustainable agriculture practices to grow a variety of crops including vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers.
They offer a veg box delivery service as well as educational tours.
- Brunswick Park Gardens: Brunswick Park Gardens is a community garden located in Camberwell, South London. They grow a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs using organic methods. They also offer workshops on gardening, cooking and sustainable living.
The Benefits of Urban Farming in London
Urban farming offers numerous benefits to the community, including:
- Access to fresh food: Urban farms provide fresh, healthy produce to urban communities that may not have easy access to grocery stores or farmers markets.
- Sustainability: Urban farms promote sustainable agriculture practices by using organic methods and reducing food waste.
- Community building: Urban farms bring people together and create a sense of community through shared goals and experiences.
- Education: Many urban farms offer workshops and educational programs on topics such as gardening, cooking, and sustainable living.
Conclusion
While exact numbers of urban farms in London are difficult to determine, it’s clear that they play an important role in providing fresh food to urban communities while promoting sustainability and community building. Whether you’re interested in starting your own urban farm or simply want to support local growers, there are many opportunities to get involved in this growing trend.