The Avery Hill Edible Garden started in 2012 and has since grown and grown! Managed by the Sustainability Team, the community is made up of student, staff and community volunteers and is always open to new people who want to get involved! It is located at the Southwood Site, Avery Hill Campus, behind the David Fussey Building (see this link for map).
The Edible Garden is made up of raised beds, a poly-tunnel, a forest garden, a pond and an orchard. The produce that is harvested is available to all, encouraging organic and healthy diets and providing a valuable resource for students who may be on a budget.
Did you know: Avery Hill Edible Garden is supporting Goal Number 2 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The garden is not just about growing however, it is also a place to enjoy wildlife, have your lunch or simply a place for quite relaxation. The gardening sessions are every Wednesday for a couple of hours, however, the garden is open all day every day for those who want to enjoy the sights and sounds from being outside! We’ve been investing into rejuvenating the space over the past few years, from building new raised beds, relining our polytunnel to sign-posting and creating a wildlife trail. The university continues to provide a budget for the group to help it develop and grow, providing funds for materials, plants, seeds and maintenance.
If you would like to volunteer and join the community, please email edible-garden@greenwich.ac.uk. You do not need any prior experience, just an enjoyment of being outside and learning new skills! From your everyday gardening activities, to orchard pruning, path maintenance and hedge laying there is a variety of tasks to be done and at all times of year. Once you have registered your initial interest, we will arrange to meet you to discuss the garden projects and to take you through access and safety protocols. Every volunteer will need to complete an induction and will need to sign-in and out on every visit.
Team Building & Educational Opportunities
If you are a member of staff who is looking into team building days, then look no further than our Edible Garden! This is a great opportunity for team volunteering and can help achieve our common objectives and also supports out strategic priority Connected and Sustainable Campuses. It will also strengthen then connections with your team.
The garden and surrounding areas are also a great space for teaching, pulling you away from the classroom to fresh air and highlighting the importance of the natural environment for our futures. Please download this document for more information.
The Bees
We work with local bee keepers at all our campuses to provide spaces for bee hives and this provides us with an opportunity to offer the chance to put on a suit and learn about the fascinating lives of bees. The hives are away from the garden, but within a short walking distance.
