Local resident and organiser Poppy Fishman on a community day at the Cloister Road garden

Barnet residents gardening in the middle of a roundabout — Sarah Sackman MP gardening with Cloister Road residents – (Credit – Poppy Fishman)

A new chapter in community-led greening continued on Cloister Road last week, as local residents gathered for another community garden day, advancing the transformation of the roundabout into a vibrant, shared green space.

Supported by local councillor Giulia Innocenti and a visit from MP Sarah Sackman, the event marks growing momentum in reclaiming urban space for people, plants, and pollinators. Sarah was able to speak to residents of all ages and join in planting some Kale.

Led by The Roundabout Garden NW2 group — a collective of residents living adjacent to the roundabout — the initiative is turning an overlooked traffic roundabout into a flourishing hub of flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Barnet Council provided the initial funding to set this project up and the community purchased six durable planters installed, designed with input from horticulturists and landscape designers to ensure long-term sustainability and visual appeal.

Since the initial session earlier this year, local residents have stayed actively involved — keeping in touch to water and maintain the plants between events. This ongoing care has not only helped the garden thrive, but also strengthened the bonds among neighbours.

This isn’t just about growing plants — it’s about growing community. People are already stopping to chat, share tips, and offer help. It’s incredible how quickly a bit of green can bring people together.

Situated at the end of Cloister Road, a quiet street near Granville Road Estate, the roundabout lies on a busy route for families walking to St Agnes and Childs Hill primary schools, and is regularly passed by Childs Hill allotment holders. The space now inspires both residents and passersby with a glimpse of what can be grown in a small urban setting.

As green space in the area has decreased due to development, the community garden offers a much-needed lift. “It’s a small but powerful step toward bringing back biodiversity and beauty, I have lived on the street 60 years and remember playing ball when I was a kid, the garden is a great addition” one resident noted.

Cllr Giulia Innocenti added: “as a council we are keen to support greening community projects wherever we can. They play a vital role in community cohesion and wellbeing. The Cloister Road roundabout garden is a beautiful example of how a tarmac roundabout can become a vibrant green hub. I hope we see more of them popping up around Barnet!”

Organisers hope the roundabout becomes a long-term focal point of pride, learning, and connection for the community. With more residents arriving from new developments, the garden is already showing what’s possible when neighbours work together.

“This is just the beginning,” said a resident volunteer. “We’re not only growing plants — we’re growing something much bigger.”

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