The Abeng Garden
The Abeng Garden was co-created by three horticulturally trained women, who identified the lack of access that black women have to growing spaces in southeast London. Established in April 2024, they were allocated an allotment space by Lewisham Council in July. The aim was to create a community led space for black women to connect with nature, empowering them to learn and enjoy growing organically as well as reconnecting with each other.
They applied for a National Garden Scheme community garden grant to help with equipment, plants, seeds as well as a shed and timber for raised beds.
London volunteer Lena Robinson visited the garden and spoke to Rachel Deterville and Cherrelle Douglas, 2 of the garden founders, to find out more about the motivation behind the project and how receiving a National Garden Scheme Community Garden Grant has had an impact.
