St. Raphael’s Edible Garden





Our beautiful Community Garden emerged from a local campaign by residents to develop a food growing project for the community. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, St. Raphael’s Edible Garden now has a teaching tipi, a chicken coup, a wildlife pond, a fruit tree orchard, compost bins, plenty of raised beds and a stunning pergola.
Although the garden is managed and run by Sufra NW London, it is here to benefit the community. The garden provides a therapeutic space from where we can invest in the skills, health and wellbeing of local people whilst improving the appearance of the estate and giving residents an opportunity to come together, have fun and grow food.
Apart from producing a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs that can be distributed at our Food Bank or used to prepare food in our Community Kitchen, we usually run a wide range of services and activities available for anyone who wants to get involved.
Opening times
The garden is currently open to the public Monday-Saturday 10pm to 4pm. Our garden volunteering sessions currently run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The garden is closed on Fridays and Sundays. Please do not remove any produce without asking for permission. The food we grow is also available to purchase at our pay-as-you-feel Community Garden Market on Saturdays (more info below).
Courses and Activities
We’ve organised a number of FREE fun and creative horticultural activities to support local residents, our food bank guests and people with additional support needs. Registration in advance is required. If you are interested in any of the below and would like more information, please contact admin@sufra-nwlondon.org.uk.
Growing Club
Participants in our Growing Club will get to sow and grow a range of vegetables from scratch whilst learning about all aspects of growing, from soil quality to pest control. Combining elements of social horticultural therapy, attendees will be encouraged to engage their senses by getting their hands dirty!
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/5cjCEhYpdz
This is a 4–week course which will take place on Saturdays from 10am to 12pm – starting June 25th 2022
Chicken Club
Where do chickens sleep? How many eggs can they lay? Can chickens fly? If you’re curious to find out, we have the answers! Join our weekly AQA accredited Chicken Club to learn about chicken origins, social behaviours, starting a family, feeding, chicken welfare and managing a brood of chickens. Suitable for families and young people, but those under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/KCfya75LRV
This is a 4–week course which will take place on Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm – starting June 25th 2022
Forest Academy (Children aged 7–11 & 12-16) – £10 refundable deposit required:
With the support of funding from Brent Council, we have developed a FREE Forest School programme for children aged 7-11 & 12-16. Forest Schools are an amazing opportunity for children to develop their knowledge and skills in a natural outdoor environment. The academy encourages children to challenge themselves and take risks safely. Typical activities include: cooking over a campfire, exploring, building outdoor shelters, whittling, sensory walks, foraging, nature art and much, much more!
This is a 6–week course which will take place on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm
Register here: https://bit.ly/SufraFSA
Mums and Tots Gardening
Come along and bring you little ones to a friendly session to garden, chat and share experiences.
Starting Thursday 5th May 2022 from 10am-12pm
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/s35VvTD8Bw
Composting Group
Join our weekly composting group – explore ways to reduce food waste and create our own growing compost. Read more about the course here: Together Towards Zero – Sufra’s New Composting Programme (sufra-nwlondon.org.uk)
Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/j7MVw6ZxyN
Starting Thursday 28th May 2022 from 2pm-4pm
Garden Market: