Restoring the allotments, owned by the National Trust and run by Merton Borough Council, was one of Sustainable Merton’s first major projects. The area has become a much-appreciated community garden.

In 2008, some 40 volunteers spent over 1,000 person-hours hacking down brambles, removing rubbish and installing drainage. Raised beds, a fruit cage and a shed with a reception area followed.

In subsequent years, they taught local school children about the joys of growing fresh organic produce and offered mini-plots to local people to give them an opportunity to learn firsthand what it means to be an allotment holder.

Work on the community garden continues every Wednesday morning and there are community events to attend, such as family gardening clubs