Volunteer and visit us

Come to our Open Garden, or volunteer with us, 10am – 4pm, on Tuesdays and on the third Saturday in November.  Walk in our woodland and enjoy tea and biscuits in the garden. Families welcome. Just drop in. 

Open Days and Volunteer Gardening sessions:

Tuesday 11 November – Open Garden and Volunteer Gardening – 10am – 4pm

Saturday 15 November – Open Garden and Volunteer Gardening – 10am – 4pm

Tuesday 18 November – Open Garden and Volunteer Gardening – 10am – 4pm

Tuesday 25 November – Open Garden and Volunteer Gardening – 10am – 4pm

During December and January we will take a winter break from open days and volunteer gardening sessions.

The garden house is available to book for parties and meetings

New memberships are available for the year ending 31st August 2026

A two-acre oasis of greenery in Islington, north London.

Over time, a herbaceous garden, an orchard, a small wildflower meadow, a wildlife pond, extensive vegetable terraces and an acre of woodland have all emerged from a railway embankment.

Under an agreement with Islington Council which owns the land, the volunteer-run Charity – Olden Community Garden – maintains the garden, with the object to promote a community garden for the benefit of people living or working in the London Borough of Islington. Olden Garden gives local people opportunities for education and recreation, with the aim of increasing involvement in the community and reducing isolation.

A self-sustaining garden

We use harvested water, we compost all the green waste and create wildlife habitats from woody debris.  We promote biodiversity throughout the garden and woodland.

Latest Posts

Open Day and Bulb Planting Saturday 20 October

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On Saturday 20 October, please come along any time between 10am – 4pm, for our Open Day. Visit the Garden. Plant spring bulbs. Children’s activities will be available. A great opportunity to make new friends and learn more about Olden Garden. Coffee and cake provided.

Islington in Bloom Gold Award

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At the Islington in Bloom 2025 Awards Ceremony at The Charterhouse, Olden Garden won Gold and 3rd Place for Best Community Garden. We were also thrilled to win the Nancy Pattenden Wildlife Award. We also received Silver Gilt for Best Edible Garden. Huge thank you to Ruby and Caroline and all our volunteer gardeners for making this happen!

Awards for Best Children’s Planting were given to two of the primary school gardens managed by our professional gardener Caroline. See all the winning entries here.

With thanks for our grants from

Islington Council’s Community Chest

Awarded National Lottery Funding

Developed in 1986 by Patricia
Tawn and supported by Islington Council