Clearing The Way

Moving to a new area is not always easy but Egor and Elena took a creative approach to get to know their neighbours better. They found a space not far from their home in Northolt which would be perfect for small parties and barbeques – it just needed a bit of TLC and some imagination.

Cluttered with beer cans, dumped furniture and home to a rat infestation it was not an easy task but they knocked on their neighbours’ doors and got some help. Together the neighbours cleared the rubbish and got rid of the diseased trees replacing them with beautiful flowerbeds and donated garden furniture. Egor made use of his carpentry skills and built a gazebo and a shed and slowly the once unloved space came to life.

Since completing the project, the new group of friends have been busy using the space and keeping the area litter free. Lynn, who also helped with the clear-up, said: “Before this lovely couple moved in, most of us elderly residents kept to ourselves. But this project has helped us create new friendships. The garden has become a special place for all of us, a little green haven for us to be together and enjoy each other’s company.”

" Before this lovely couple moved in, most of us elderly residents kept to ourselves. This project has helped us create new friendships" - Lynn

Related Articles

Schoolreaders

Volunteers needed to listen to children read in Greater London! 

 One in four children leave primary school unable to read to the expected standard.

Creative & mindful workshops for Adults

Small group, adult workshops that use art, objects and words to kindle stimulating conversations, build community and strengthen connection.

Neighbourhood Action Day

Catalyst are working in partnership with Ealing Council, Southall Transition, Hanwell and Norwood Green Orchard Trail, Greenfields Childrens Centre and the Canals and Rivers Trust to transform the open space know locally as ‘Bixley Triangle’ at the south of Bixley Field in Norwood Green.

Land Registry

Who owns this piece of land?

Coming home to find your neighbour has built a new shed that’s stretches one meter into your garden would probably cause you a great deal of anxiety.

Top 5 Tips To Getting To Know Your Neighbours

When someone new moves into the neighbourhood, it’s a perfect opportunity to make a friend. Did you know only one in three of us bother to introduce ourselves to our neighbours when we move because we’re ‘too busy.’

West Acton Cherry Tree Walk

We want to create a beautiful, diverse woodland garden with cherry trees and wildflowers in the rundown strip of land that runs between the north and southbound sides of Princes Garden…

Plot To Plot

The head teacher at Oldfield Primary School took a leading role in getting her pupils to start eating healthier by giving them a hands-on experience of growing and caring for their own food.

Co-op

Fairtrade Fortnight 2025 will take place 22 September – 05 October 2025