The Winslade Forest Garden at Bridgehouse Gardens

A thriving forest garden and community learning space at Bridgehouse Gardens, South Bermondsey, London. Funded by Veolia and supported by Lewisham Council, the project combines permaculture with timber self-build construction, fostering collaboration between local residents and volunteers to create a vibrant green space and hub for learning. The forest garden incorporates Hügelkultur, a no-dig permaculture technique that builds fertile mounds from woodchip, timber, and organic matter sourced from local tree surgeons. This method transforms urban, hard-landscaped sites into flourishing green environments. By applying forest garden principles, the site has cultivated a resilient ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife and year-round greenery. The garden features edible shrubs and trees, such as blackberries, raspberries, and apple trees, offering a valuable resource for the community. Nestled within the garden is The Winslade Barn, a timber structure designed as a versatile space for community events, learning, and workshops. Fully demountable and built with a bolted timber frame and cladding made from green larch, the barn demonstrates sustainable building practices. It uses pad foundations to avoid invasive groundwork and prioritises disassembly, ensuring it can be reused or relocated. The building of the barn and garden was a collaborative effort, engaging locals and participants from across London in free workshops. These sessions covered self-build principles, cladding, furniture making, permaculture, and forest gardening, equipping participants with skills and fostering community bonds. The project exemplifies how communities can take ownership of neglected urban spaces, creating shared, resilient environments. The ambition of this project is to establish permanent community infrastructure, setting a precedent for similar projects. Looking ahead, The Winslade Barn will host events, workshops, and gatherings, continuing to serve as a resource for the local area.