Building Alexandra Millennium Green
A Photo Journey
Before the Beginning
These overgrown allotments nearly became housing. After winning protection through the Millennium Green scheme, the real work began: transforming abandoned plots into London's largest community green.
Earth Moving Days (2002-2003)
A landscape architect sketched the initial design - amphitheatre here, pond there, paths connecting everything. But when the hired landscaper took payment and promptly folded their business, volunteers had to finish the half-completed earthworks themselves. Tony/Mike took charge of the big digger, spending weekends moving earth to complete the amphitheatre and pond excavations the contractor had abandoned. Roy acquired the red Massey Ferguson tractor that would become the Green's secondary workhorse, shifting spoil and handling the smaller jobs. That same red Massey Ferguson - still running today - has evolved from earthmoving to mowing. An icon of the Green in its own right, maintained by volunteers who know every quirk of its engine.
The Pond Story (2003-2004)
Dug entirely by volunteers after the main excavation. Weekends were spent perfecting the contours, debating depths, arguing about edges. We stocked it with fish. The herons found it within a week. Now it's evolved into a thriving reed bed - nature had the last word.
278 Trees and Counting (2002-2010)
Every tree has a story. The croquet club planted theirs as a thank you. The bowls club got involved with their own contribution. Someone proudly planted a red oak that's now reaching impressive heights. No official tree map exists. The stories live in volunteers' memories - who planted what, when, and why. Each planting day brought different groups, different reasons, different hopes for what would grow.
Making Our Mark (2005)
The entrance signs were hand-crafted by Tony Trinkwon and Mike Tattersall in a workshop - a great deal of work, as Tony recalls. Cut, carved, painted, and erected by hand. No contractors, no bought-in signage. Like everything else here, made by the people who use the space.
From Digging to Maintaining (2010-Present)
The same tractor that shaped the land now keeps it tidy. Repurposed, repaired countless times, held together by volunteer mechanics and determination. Like everything here, it evolved with our needs.
The Builders
Roy Rathbone (campaigner), Mike Tattershall (digger operator extraordinaire), and dozens more. No contractors. No professionals. Just neighbours who learned by doing.