The Dalston Eastern Curve Garden is hidden behind hording
next to the Hackney Peace Carnival Mural and visitors enter through a wooden
doorway into a peaceful haven. The
Garden was created in Spring 2010 and takes its name from an old railway line
that had been derelict for over 30 years. It was established to provide much needed
greenery in a built up area previously lacking in green public space and was
developed as part of a ‘Design for London’ funded project involving Hackney Council,
architects, and Dalston community and cultural organisations. After two years
of start-up funding, the Garden now receives no public funding so is managed day
to day by a social enterprise, set up by some of the people who were involved with
the Garden from the beginning. Income is generated by a café, events and hire
of spaces to ensure that the Garden is managed and stays open seven days a
week. Fruit, vegetables, herbs and bee and wild-life friendly plants are all
tended by volunteers. A large wooden pavilion provides a relaxed meeting place
and regularly houses music and dance, cooking in an outdoor oven and a wide
range of workshops for children and for adults. The Garden will be open during
the Dalston Peoples Festival, offering a place to unwind and enjoy some
breathing space, performances and relaxation.
