Helping to develop the new growing site on the Hollybush Estate

The Teesdale and Hollybush Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) in Bethnal Green have turned unused areas of this large estate into community gardens.

Since 2008, led by Margaret Cox, they have worked with volunteers to create natural spaces, including a children’s playground, allotments, and an orchard called Strawberry Fields.

One garden, Rocky Park, offers free plots where residents can grow their own fruit and vegetables.

In today’s activity we will be working with Margaret and Ash on the creation of the new residents’ growing site.

Today’s volunteering activity: Everything you need to know

• We will meet in Bethnal Green, by the Ellsworth Street roundabout at 11am.

• We’ll head to nearby Middleton Green to meet Margaret and Ash, who will be leading today’s activity.

• After a short warm-up for our activity, we’ll divide into teams and head out over the Estate to work on the growing site.

• We’ll meet at 12:45 for a post-task stretch, and to say cheerio to Margaret and Ash.

• Please wear comfortable, old clothes you can move freely on, that you don’t mind getting a bit of mud on. Please bring waterproof clothing in case of rain.

• There will be secure storage for bags and belongings, and toilet facilities available.

• There will be tasks suitable for all levels of strength and fitness.

• We do GoodGym whatever the weather – so if it rains, the activity will still be going ahead!