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Trapped in Zone One together with Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery have successfully crowdfunded on Spacehive as part of Mayor of London’s Make London programme to transform Ackroyd Drive Greenlink in Tower Hamlets this summer through art, nature and heritage. The Greenlink is a vital green space next to a large, high-rise housing estate, yet it has historically suffered from neglect, and still suffers from fly tipping, non-commissioned graffiti and other anti-social behaviours.

What we'll deliver:

  • Run a open-call to the community to design a nature theme mural

  • Commission an artist to deliver the community-designed mural

  • Run weekly activity with GoodGym Tower Hamlets and volunteers to clean up the green space

  • Run nature and heritage walks, family activities and planting sessions on the Greenlink

  • Invite the community to an art unveiling event with speakers from the local authority.

The projects aim is to:

  • Bring the community together and make them central to the transformation of Ackroyd Drive Greenlink

  • Make the Greenlink more attractive for visitors (humans and animals!)

  • Increase community interest and knowledge in local nature and history

  • Improve community cohesion, local pride and sense of belonging in the area.

OPEN CALL

Help us to come up with a design which best describes nature by downloading the template of the arch we’ll be painting on Ackroyd Drive Greenlink next month.

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DOCUMENTARY FILM

We made a short documentary film about this project as part of our youth initiative programme ‘Voice of the Youth’ with a young film maker to find out if creativity can bring communities together.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

We’re offering opportunities to join us as a volunteer and help clean up Ackroyd Drive Greenlink throughout June with GoodGym Tower Hamlets.

"GoodGym Tower Hamlets were really thrilled to be offered the opportunity to contribute to Trapped in Zone One's Ackroyd Drive Greenlink project.

Our members always jump at the chance to work with Trapped in Zone One (TIZO) because TIZO projects invariably involve some element of creativity, as well as being in an environment they wouldn't normally have access to – many don't have access to balconies, never mind gardens or allotments, so to be able to visit and work in a green space with the TIZO team, receive some green-fingered guidance, and be made to feel like they are part of the community is a very welcome addition to our activity.”

Week 1, 13 runners helped Trapped in Zone One in Tower Hamlets.

“After a brilliant intro from Ken, who gave us an insightful, dynamic introduction to the wild meadow area and the background of Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery PAark, we proceeded to tackle the invasion of the pesky Cow Parsley in the wild meadow area (producing large quantities of seeds, this plant is a somewhat invasive and unwanted addition to the area). After we'd tackled said plant, the team moved to lopping elm, by roadside and arches. It was hot, it was hard... It was thoroughly enjoyable. The time flew by and we really look forward to returning next week.”

Report by Laura Williams, Area Activator for Tower Hamlets.

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Week 2, 8 runners helped Trapped in Zone One in Tower Hamlets.

“What a great day! We were quite lucky, as we just finished in between rain showers. Last week we went to Ackroyd Drive for the first time to help clear the first meadow patch and this week we were back for another task. There was a lot to do and the group did a fantastic job in getting it done in no time. Cow parsley, brambles and some other weeds were cleared to avoid them taking over the full meadow. But also to make the murals more visible for when they will be painted in July.

And we welcomed first time runner Vian who is a local resident on Ackroyd Drive and donated towards the crowdfunding campaign! Thank you for joining us all.

Report by Lieke van Velthoven, Task Force Member

For all enquires get in touch: