Ben Taylor, Food Roots Coordinator, shares his thoughts about the South Norwood Eco Living Fest event held in January 2025. 

Today, I had the privilege of attending the vibrant South Norwood Eco Living Fest in my capacity as a Food Roots Coordinator. This bi-monthly event, hosted by Sustainable Thornton Heath, brought together an inspiring array of local initiatives, businesses, and community members passionate about sustainability and eco-friendly living. 

The festival, held at Holy Innocents Church Hall, buzzed with energy as attendees explored stalls dedicated to food growing, repair services, eco-swaps, and more. It was particularly exciting to connect with organisations and individuals focused on food growing - a cornerstone of the Food Roots mission to combat food poverty and build resilient, self-sufficient communities in Croydon. 

A Spotlight on Food Growing 

It was especially enlightening talking to the Holmesdale Community Gardens discussing their innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture. A local community garden project designed to teach residents how to cultivate their own produce, the message was clear: growing your own food is not only environmentally friendly but also a powerful tool for fostering community and addressing food insecurity. 

Beyond Food Growing 

The festival offered so much more than gardening. I also explored stalls providing free electrical and bicycle repairs, clothes mending workshops, and a bustling clothes swap. Families were entertained with eco-friendly games in the Kids’ Zone, and visitors enjoyed delicious vegan treats while learning about sustainable living. 

Building Connections for the Future 

This event provided an excellent opportunity to discuss potential collaborations between Food Roots and local food-growing initiatives. By working together, we can expand access to nutritious, affordable food and empower Croydon residents to take control of their food systems. I left the festival feeling inspired and full of ideas to bring back to our Food support network. 

Get Involved 

If you missed this month’s event, mark your calendars for the next Eco Living Fest! It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn new skills, and discover how small changes can make a big impact on our community and the planet.  

Check out their Eventbrite page.

For more information about Food Roots or to get involved in food-growing projects, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you. 

Together, we can grow a greener, more sustainable Croydon.