Hands Off Mangrove by Grow2Know

This garden unites two prominent issues – global deforestation and social injustice.

A deforested mangrove sculpture at the centre acts as a stark reminder of the impacts we are having on our planet’s most important ecosystems, both locally and globally. It is inspired by the real-life story of the community activists known as the Mangrove Nine, who were tried and acquitted of inciting a riot in 1970. 

Honouring each Mangrove Nine member, nine corten steel roots combine to form a protective sanctuary where communities can reconnect with each other and nature.

With the garden designed to be relocated into the community, pollinator-friendly, edible, ornamental and architectural plants suited to inner-city landscapes have been selected. Through the centre runs an upcycled crushed concrete path representative of the challenges and threats of racism, poverty and violence in 1960/70s London.