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Circa 2000

How the Brockley Cross Action Group began

By Brockley

How the Brockley Cross Action Group began

Brockley Station Community Gardens and the pedestrianised section of Coulgate Street, seen from above

The community gardens on Coulgate Street occupy a strip of railway land beside Brockley station. Their trees, flower beds and seating are the result of more than two decades of work by the Brockley Cross Action Group and local volunteers.[2][4]

A group formed in 2000

The group began in 2000, after residents met to discuss the condition of Brockley Cross. More than 90 people attended the first meeting.[1] Their concerns included traffic, pedestrian safety, litter, graffiti and neglected public space.[1][2]

The organisation initially focused on the conservation area before extending its work across Brockley ward.[3] It dealt with public bodies and local businesses, organised planting and clean-up work, and commented on development proposals.[3]

From railway land to gardens

In 2004, the group proposed turning derelict railway land between Coulgate Street and the station into a community space.[2] A steering group chaired by Joan Ruddock MP brought together councillors, Lewisham Council, railway organisations and residents. Network Rail, which owned the land, agreed to its use as a garden.[2]

Clearance and woodland planting began in 2005. Network Rail then removed old walls, fences and derelict buildings from the Coulgate Street site.[2] The garden design gained planning permission in 2008–09, and council funding paid for the steps, retaining walls, path and ramp.[2]

Volunteers digging the soil at Brockley Common beside the railway
Brockley Cross Action Group volunteers preparing the soil at Brockley Common in March 2010, before planting over Easter

In 2010, volunteers planted more than 1,500 perennials and shrubs over two weekends.[2][5] The Mayor's Fund and local donations paid for the work.[2]

Work beyond the station

The group launched Brockley Max in 2003. The arts festival later became an independent organisation.[2] It organised the first Brockley Christmas Market in 2007 and has continued to run the event.[2][6]

Other early projects included a steel-letter poem on Shardeloes Road, a flower bed at the station entrance and tree planting on local roads.[1][3] The group also worked with Lewisham Council on pedestrian changes around the double roundabout in 2011 and improvements to Brockley Road in 2012.[2]

Its campaign for a more pedestrian-friendly Coulgate Street led to a council upgrade in 2015. The campaign continued until the street was closed to through traffic during Covid and later made permanently pedestrian-friendly. The 2015 work used planning contributions from the Langtry Court development and Transport for London funding.[2]

The gardens today

The gardens now contain woodland, a meadow, a herb and kitchen garden, raised beds, seating and areas for insects.[2][4] A micro forest was planted in 2021. Since 2022, volunteers have removed bamboo, replanted beds and added a bug hotel and signs.[2]

Brockley Station Community Gardens and Coulgate Street, seen from above

The Charity Commission currently records three trustees and 20 volunteers.[6] Gardening sessions continue throughout the year, usually every other Sunday.[4] The land beside the station remains a community garden maintained by a small local organisation.

Sources

  1. 1.^

    Ten years of the Brockley Cross Action Group, Brockley Central, 20 May 2010 — Source archive

  2. 2.^

    Brockley Cross Action Group, History — Source archive

  3. 3.^

    Brockley Cross Action Group: a history, Brockley Central, 14 May 2008 — Source archive

  4. 4.^

    London National Park City, Brockley Cross Action Group — Source archive

  5. 5.^

    Brockley Common: The final push, Brockley Central, 23 March 2010 — Source archive

  6. 6.^

    Charity Commission for England and Wales, Brockley Cross Action Group, charity number 1111176 — Source archive