Our Story
From Allotments to Community Green
In 1990, Kingston Council planned to sell half of Tolworth Main Allotments for housing. Local residents organised as the Alexandra Neighbours Association, fought the plans at Public Planning Enquiry, and won. Through the Millennium Green scheme - lottery-funded, with a 999-year lease - 12 acres became London's largest Millennium Green. Since 2002, volunteers have planted 278 trees, built paths, and created wildflower meadows. The original pond's now a reed bed. The amphitheatre hosts community events. All built by neighbours, evolving with use.
How We Work Now
Muddy winter paths? Wood chips work - always need more suppliers. Brambles taking over? We learned that cutting isn't enough - they grew back when our tractor broke. Now we're removing roots at volunteer sessions and planting wildflowers and shrubs to keep them at bay. Birds nesting in the scrub? That corner stays wild now. Learning as we go. Your observations and ideas shape what happens next.
Join In
Community action saved this space from becoming houses. Community action keeps it thriving. Come add your bit.
By the Numbers
Total time from first spade to completion
Length of our secure lease
Planted by volunteers since 2002
Donated by Hampton Court Flower Show exhibitors
Open to the public since December 2002
Fruit and nut varieties growing here
(can you spot them all?)
Community green space created
Allotments retained by Kingston Council
Won Best Open Space in Kingston In Bloom
Roy's Massey Ferguson, still running after decades
Most work done by trustees themselves, who hired heavy machinery as needed