From Ashes to Oasis: East Ham Community Garden Gets £3,000 Grant to Support Local Children

What was once a derelict patch of land scarred by a devastating fire in 2013 has been reborn as a thriving green space for East Ham’s families. Thanks to a generous £3,000 grant from the London City Airport Community Fund, the Grow Together Be Together Community Garden is now poised to grow even further, providing new opportunities for local children and families.

Run by Bonny Downs Community Association (BDCA), the garden will re-launch free weekly outdoor play sessions for children under five, starting on Monday 12 May, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Located at 111 Wellington Road, East Ham, E6 6EB, just minutes from East Ham Library, this vibrant green oasis has become a vital community hub where families, schools, and local residents come together to connect, play, and grow.

From Fire to Future: A Garden with Purpose

The garden’s story is one of resilience. In 2013, a fire devastated the site, leaving it abandoned and scarred. But the community didn’t give up. BDCA, with the support of local volunteers, transformed the once-damaged land into a flourishing space that now offers:

• Outdoor learning for local schools and nurseries
• A peaceful escape for older residents to connect with nature and one another
• Inclusive community events like Eid celebrations, Interfaith Christmas, and Winter Solstice
• A rare outdoor refuge for children in Newham, a borough where many families live in overcrowded flats without access to gardens
• Venue hire for local families and community groups to host their own events

A Lifeline for Children and Families

In a borough where many children have limited access to outdoor spaces, the garden offers a rare chance to explore, play, and learn in nature. The new play sessions, which are free and open to all families, will provide essential outdoor time for young children in a safe, supportive environment. No booking is required—families can simply drop in and enjoy the space.

A Message of Gratitude

Sarah Laing, CEO of Bonny Downs Community Association, shared her thanks:

“We’re incredibly grateful to London City Airport for their generous support. This funding allows us to relaunch the outdoor sessions that will help our youngest community members grow and thrive. This garden has always been a symbol of resilience and renewal, and with this grant, it’s helping us continue to bring people together, from toddlers to elders, to celebrate life, nature, and community.”

Supporting a Resilient Future

This grant will not only keep the garden’s legacy alive but will also enable BDCA to incubate the next generation of “phoenix chicks”—the local children who will inherit this green sanctuary and carry the legacy of the garden forward for years to come.