London’s food gardens tackle climate and nature crisis

Supported by grants from City Bridge Foundation and the Mayor of London, Capital Growth will demonstrate the essential role of urban gardens in combating climate change and preserving nature while fostering resilient communities across the city.

Run by food growing network Capital Growth, which is part of Sustain, the project will champion how gardens can become hubs of community action to reduce food miles, adapt to climate change and create resilient, nature-friendly and inclusive spaces.

“As the urgency of the climate and nature crisis grows, so does the need for urban communities to reconnect with the land. With allotment waiting lists stretching up to 15 years and over 40 sites lost in the past decade, protecting and nurturing green spaces is now more critical than ever. These spaces are vital not just for food growing, but for fostering community resilience and safeguarding our environment.” - Rachel Dring, Coordinator at Capital Growth

The funding will help urban growers, city planners, landowners and local authorities to understand the benefits of food gardens on climate, nature and community resilience. Capital Growth will provide training, tools to boost biodiversity, and opportunities to engage more people in growing.

Growing for Nature kicks off with a spring and summer training programme, offering workshops from fungi cultivation to growing South Asian vegetables. Capital Growth has joined the Grow Urban Festival 2025, running from Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 June, featuring hands-on workshops, community garden parties and inspiring talks to help more Londoners discover greenand healthy urban spaces.

This project has been made possible thanks to funding from City Bridge Foundation and the Mayor of London.