About Us
Our Story
Garden volunteering
Garden volunteering
Thorlands Gardens project happened in a flash, back in Ocotber 2019, when two people crossed paths accidentally. Simon J Taylor, a South Londoner and John Frankland a longtime Thorlands Estate resdient were both volunteers for the same chairty. Simon had been looking for pocket sized sites to develop his idea to share food growing knowled
Thorlands Gardens project happened in a flash, back in Ocotber 2019, when two people crossed paths accidentally. Simon J Taylor, a South Londoner and John Frankland a longtime Thorlands Estate resdient were both volunteers for the same chairty. Simon had been looking for pocket sized sites to develop his idea to share food growing knowledge in Camberwell. He dreamed about developing a 'market garden' social enterprise, selling #ZeroMilesProduce. John Frankland, on the other hand, had another vision. He and his fellow residents wished to spruce up unloved spaces and generally re-green Thorlands with the idea of making the estate friendlier and safer. In flash they realsided their vissions matched when they bumped into eachother out and about one day.The synchronicty had only just started then. The boardmembers of the Tenants Management Committee that John chaired, were unanimous in their decision to pursue these ideas . So the story goes, when John walked past Simon, who invited John to his table at a local hostelry the realisation hit them both after little small talk. Simon asked, "Do you have any spaces that could be used for food growing and resident volunteering?" John replied, " Yes we do! Why do you ask?" And, er, well, the rest is history as they say. If you are interested in the deeper story or wish to volunteer please click 'CONTACT' below to let us know. WATCH THIS SPACE for a link coming soon or GO TO 'IN THE GARDEN.'
Garden volunteering
Garden volunteering
Garden volunteering
We offer two free voluntary sessions per week, on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 12 noon until 3pm, to anyone who is eager to help or willing to learn. We have a Walled Garden where you find our Multi-use Potting Shed. We are also developing our Wild Garden and Kitchen Gardens next door. We take a sit down T-break at about 1.30pm. Whilst
We offer two free voluntary sessions per week, on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 12 noon until 3pm, to anyone who is eager to help or willing to learn. We have a Walled Garden where you find our Multi-use Potting Shed. We are also developing our Wild Garden and Kitchen Gardens next door. We take a sit down T-break at about 1.30pm. Whilst we work collaborativley, we also have tasks fit for individuals. To help you learn the ropes we may buddy you up with a regular if that helps you. Please sign up below with your name and email, ask any questions you may have and we will keep you posted with our e-Update.
Potting Shed
Market Stall & Selling
Market Stall & Selling
In our multi-use potting shed we sow, pot-on, shelter and socilise. We also set up stall on some Saturdays and run workshops at the central table. We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping meet-n-greet visitors and set-up shop. If that is you, sign up or pop down on a voluntary session to say hello. In addition, to encou
In our multi-use potting shed we sow, pot-on, shelter and socilise. We also set up stall on some Saturdays and run workshops at the central table. We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping meet-n-greet visitors and set-up shop. If that is you, sign up or pop down on a voluntary session to say hello. In addition, to encourage growing and crafting industries in Camberwell we invite skilled crafters and trainers to run workshops. If you would like to pilot a 'crafty' idea or are in the business of training get in touch below to arrange a visit and a chat.
Market Stall & Selling
Market Stall & Selling
Market Stall & Selling
We partner with community groups and individuals to promote our multi-use garden spaces. By selling at our on site stall and at a local grocers we provide a small income to support our garden project. In our Clubhouse we use social media and our website to network, encouraging new volunteers and raise awareness of our garden and produce.
We partner with community groups and individuals to promote our multi-use garden spaces. By selling at our on site stall and at a local grocers we provide a small income to support our garden project. In our Clubhouse we use social media and our website to network, encouraging new volunteers and raise awareness of our garden and produce. Our ambition is to train up volunteers to do more of this and to take on interns who will be trained and paid in Market Gardening to help grow our social enterprise. If you are interested in 'market garden' training, please get in touch below.