The Catford House, London - Community Garden creation

This project will establish a sustainable food waste composting and growing hub in the garden of The Catford House, an accessible community pub, ran by a charitable co-op in the heart of Catford.

A Ridan Pro 400 hot composter will divert food waste and wood chippings from landfill, reduce emissions, and produce nutrient-rich compost for on-site use. Raised beds and biodiversity features will support urban greening and pollinators. Inclusive workshops will teach residents to compost at home and grow their own herbs and salad greens.

Using reclaimed wood, participants will create window boxes, birdhouses, and bat boxes—encouraging circular use of materials and wildlife habitat creation. This project empowers the community to reduce waste, grow food, and protect the environment, while fostering long-term behaviour change and environmental stewardship, alongside tackling issues of social exclusion.

This project aims to make Catford House—a new community-focused pub—a model for zero-waste, sustainable hospitality spaces. By installing a Ridan composter, we will process food waste on-site into compost to nourish a garden filled with native, pollinator-friendly plants, supporting local biodiversity. But our goals go beyond waste reduction. Through Compost Clubs and hands-on workshops, we aim to empower residents with practical skills in composting, growing food at home, and reusing materials to make window boxes and wildlife habitats. The project will create a green, welcoming space for learning, connection, and climate action—reducing emissions, supporting wildlife, and addressing social isolation by bringing people together. Our vision is to embed sustainability into everyday life and make Catford a leading example of how local communities can work together for people and planet, whilst addressing social isolation through community engagement.