Bees, berries and beans

Picture a city. Are you thinking of skyscrapers, office blocks, housing estates, shopping malls and superstores? Or are you thinking of flower gardens, allotments, orchards, vineyards and bee hives?

This walk explores a rather unexpected aspect of city life – growing food in urban spaces. By meandering through the residential areas of the London Borough of Hackney, you will discover a surprising amount of vegetables, fruit and herbs being grown in marginal spaces. You’ll also find out about some of the people who have taken the initiative to transform unused land where they live.

Looking at other urban spaces – grass embankments, car parks, rooftops and derelict sites – you will be able to think about the potential for increasing food production and creating a more sustainable way of living in cities.

This walk is best in the late spring, summer and early autumn.

Walk Info

Distance:

1 ½ miles

Level:

A flat route on pavements and in parks

Suitable for:

Lots of things for children to spot on this walk

An entirely step-free route

Region:

Greater London

Setting:

Towns & Cities

Landscape:

People in the landscape Hidden landscapes Changing landscapes

Start:

The Triangle, junction of Mare St and Westgate St

Finish:

Hackney City Farm

Getting there:

Nearest mainline stations London Fields and Cambridge Heath

Nearest station Bethnal Green (20 minute walk)

Served by various bus routes

Several Barclays Cycle Hire docking stations in the area