Big-hearted pupils and volunteers come together to get Redbridge blooming even in winter!

Published: 13 November 2025

Over 500 flowers were planted in Redbridge recently thanks to local people getting involved in community planting days to get the borough blooming. 

The popular green scheme, run across two days in October, was led by Redbridge Council’s Neighbourhoods Team to help boost biodiversity in the borough, teach new skills in the community and create attractive neighbourhoods.

The team provided those taking part with hi-vis wear, gloves, and trowels, along with training on gardening basics for those new to it.

The fun-filled planting sessions, funded externally through The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, took place outside Wanstead Station and Seven Kings Station, and brought together people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Among them were pupils and staff from nearby schools, as well as volunteers from Mont Rose College, local gardening enthusiasts and even a few passersby.

Vasilita Golban, Student Engagement Officer at Mont Rose College, said: “It was a pleasure to take part in this initiative. Mont Rose College places great importance on sustainability, and we are always happy to contribute to the welfare of our community.”

Manal Shafi, Year 5 Class Teacher at Downshall Primary School, said: “The children had a wonderful time planting. Thank you for making the planting event really special for our pupils.”

Over 500 flowers, including  pansies and primroses, were planted during the two days of social action. 

Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability Cllr Jo Blackman said: “A big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who took part. Our community planting days are a really fun and social way to create vibrant neighbourhoods that help local wildlife to thrive. It’s also an excellent way to make new friends, and strengthen community bonds.”

Community gardening is one of several eco-projects under the borough’s Our Streets Strategy, which focuses on social action and working with local communities to keep

Redbridge’s street scene green, clean, safe, and attractive.  For more information go to: www.redbridge.gov.uk/our-streets/

Have you spotted an area in the borough where you'd would like to create a community garden? Find out more including how to apply to adopt the area and turn it into a community garden: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/our-streets/spruce-up-your-neighbourhood/

Redbridge community planting days are also a great way to get involved with the Council’s Restore Nature Pledge campaign which invites local people to commit to one or more pledge actions designed to support nature, especially local wildlife, and plants. Find out more and how you can get involved: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/our-streets/attractive-streets/restore-nature-pledge/