The patch of ground beside Roehampton Methodist Church on Minstead Gardens didn’t look like much in November 2024. It still doesn’t have a name. But Phase One is already in the ground: four raised beds plotted, a storage container in place, and 16 months of community work behind it.
Residents of the Alton Estate have been building a community garden from scratch since late 2024. It started with conversations involving 60 people who wanted a green, community-managed growing space. It has since moved through biodiversity surveys, expert planning sessions, a 37-person community consultation, and now the first phase of construction. The garden is real.
The project is organised by Our Roehampton, a local community development trust, and funded by the Wimbledon Foundation.
“We have completed Phase One of the garden and are continuing to design the rest,” said Preya Chauhan, the project coordinator. “Our vision is to create a community-led food-growing, biodiverse, accessible, and welcoming space.”
Built with residents, not for them
Before a single planter went in, Our Roehampton ran months of consultation sessions. Experts were brought in: Les Hill on biodiversity, Nick Oliver from the WWT London Wetland Centre on rain gardens and water management, and Vicki Cooke as a community kitchen gardener. Gardeners from Roehampton Club, the Community Kitchen and the Community Shed all contributed.
The November 2025 community consultation drew 37 residents and community leaders. Their voices shaped the design. Residents asked for an organic, pesticide-free garden, accessible planting for people with disabilities, and intergenerational spaces. The community’s own planning philosophy: “Start small but think big and long term.”
“The garden built a true sense of community,” one resident said. “A place where people feel welcomed, whatever their abilities or contribution they can make.”
The wish list is specific. Apples, pears, cherries and blueberries. Tomatoes, kale and herbs. A wildflower meadow. Everything grown organically. A polytunnel is planned for the next phase.
Get involved
Sessions run through to June. All are free and open to residents.
Wednesday 8 April, 6:30–8:00pm Community Week Planning. Methodist Church, Minstead Gardens, SW15 4EB.
Thursday 23 April, 10:00–11:30am Biodiversity session with Les Hill. Alton Arts Hub, 6 Portswood Place, SW15 4ED.
Wednesday 6 May, 6:30–8:00pm Branding and naming the garden with Noreen Meehan and Susan Marks. Methodist Church, Minstead Gardens.
Thursday 21 May, 10:00–11:30am Accessible gardening for children with Lila and Aslam from Sen Unity. Alton Arts Hub.
Wednesday 3 June, 6:30–8:00pm Topic to be confirmed. Methodist Church, Minstead Gardens.
A family picnic is planned as part of Roehampton Community Weeks on 12 August.
The project is looking for volunteers to help with building, planting, watering and harvesting. Contact Preya Chauhan at preya.chauhan@ourroehampton.org or on 07544 591079.
