1976
With grit and determination, local residents -led by Jamie McCullough - reclaim neglected land beside the Grand Union Canal and create Meanwhile Gardens as a shared community space.
50 years ago in 1976, local people looked at a neglected piece of land between Trellick Tower and the Grand Union Canal and imagined something different. Together, they transformed it into a community garden that has remained open to everyone ever since.
Today, Meanwhile Gardens is one of West London's most distinctive shared green spaces. People come here to garden, skate, learn, celebrate, volunteer, create, and play - or simply to enjoy a quiet moment beneath the trees. Every day, the Gardens bring together people of different ages, backgrounds and interests through the simple act of sharing a space and helping it thrive.
Our History
1978
London's first concrete skate bowl opens, establishing Meanwhile Gardens as an iconic destination for generations of skateboarders.
1980s
The Gardens continue to grow through local care and commitment, with new planting, wildlife habitats and spaces for community activities.
2000s
Meanwhile Gardens expands its programmes for families, schools, volunteers and local residents, strengthening its role as a place for learning, creativity and wellbeing.
Today
50 years after it was created, Meanwhile Gardens continues to grow with its community while remaining open, welcoming and free for all.
We use nature as our catalyst to empower communities and unite generations.
We plant, grow, play and connect, cultivating belonging throughout the cycles of nature, of life and of the city.
Our impact
Supporting health and wellbeing
Caring for nature in the city
Bringing people together
Team
Jose Crespo Martins
Chief Executive OfficerJose leads Meanwhile Gardens' strategic development, partnership building and fundraising, working alongside colleagues, trustees, volunteers and the wider community to help the Gardens flourish for future generations.
Favourite spot: My favourite spot is the main walkway looking down towards the ponds. I love watching the Gardens change with the seasons, especially when the first snowdrops appear — a little reminder that spring isn't too far away.
Chandrika Dalpat
Project ManagerFor more than three decades, Chandrika has been pivotal in shaping the day-to-day life of Meanwhile Gardens, working closely with colleagues, volunteers and local organisations to ensure the Gardens continue to bloom.
Favourite spot: I love the pink clematis and beautifully scented rose at the entrance, with passion flowers, olives and kiwi fruit nearby. The agapanthus always reminds me of family and friends in New Zealand.
Hermione Byrt
GardenerHermione cares for the Gardens throughout the seasons, nurturing their plants, trees and wildlife while leading gardening sessions and family activities. She helps people of all ages connect with nature by tending to the Gardens together.
Favourite spot: My favourite spot is the triangle of land between the two pathways towards Golborne Road. In spring, it's alive with wildflowers, and I love its textures, colours and dappled shade on a sunny day.
Hannah Gibbon
AdministratorHannah keeps Meanwhile Gardens running smoothly behind the scenes, supporting the team across administration, communications and marketing. She also shares the Gardens' day-to-day story through our website, newsletters and social media.
Favourite spot: My favourite spot is the chimney — we had our wedding photo taken in front of it back in 2007. Like our marriage, the garden continues to bloom and is always full of love.
Hayley Shale
Playhut ManagerHayley leads the Playhut team, creating a welcoming space where babies, young children and their families can play, learn and explore together. She works closely with families to help every visit feel safe, inclusive and enjoyable.
Favourite spot: My favourite spot is the small bench behind the paddling pool in the Playhut garden. It's tucked beneath the trees, offering shade, shelter and a lovely view across the whole garden.
Tia Newell
Early Years Educators
Queen Allen
Early Years Educators
Katrina McNulty
Early Years Educators
Milena Bacchi
Early Years Educators
Thais Mayne Hanvey
Early Years Educators
The Playhut Team
Hayley Shale | Tia Newell | Queen Allen | Katrina McNulty | Milena Bacchi | Thais Mayne Hanvey
Our qualified Early Years Educators create a warm and welcoming space where babies, young children and their families can play, learn and spend time together.
Alongside supporting children's development through play, the team gets to know the families who use the Playhut and offers practical support to parents and carers, helping make it a safe, inclusive and relaxed part of life at Meanwhile Gardens.
Hire a space
From community meetings and creative workshops to celebrations, learning and wellbeing activities, our spaces are available to hire for events that reflect the welcoming spirit of Meanwhile Gardens. Every booking helps support the care and future of this unique community garden.
Key Partners
Our key partners play a vital role in sustaining Meanwhile Gardens and helping us plan for the future. Through their funding, encouragement and ongoing support, we're able to care for the Gardens, strengthen our community programmes and keep this special green space welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Partners
We are endlessly grateful to the funders, partners, volunteers and local organisations whose support helps Meanwhile Gardens thrive.
Opening times
Meanwhile Gardens
Open every day. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
The Playhut
The Playhut is open to families and children under 6. Please visit the Playhut page for opening times, session information and the latest programme.
Getting here
By foot
The main entrance to Meanwhile Gardens is on Kensal Road, with additional pedestrian access points around the Gardens.
By bus
Routes 23, 28, 31 and 328 all stop within a short walk of the Gardens.
Underground
Westbourne Park Station (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines) is a 5 minute walk away from The Playhut and Meanwhile Gardens’ festival site, and approximately 10 minutes away from The Factory Building.
Accessibility
Most of the Gardens are accessible by wheelchair and buggy, although some paths are uneven and a few of our wilder areas include steps. Please take care when exploring, and feel free to ask a member of the team if you need any help finding an accessible route.