We're making a difference to people's lives

"The greenhouses, in the middle of the park, were disused and used as a council rubbish dump before a local environment group got involved to transform them into a public amenity a decade ago.

"I started volunteering in 2006 while doing my degree as I was interested in the restoration of public parks. But I soon realised that connecting old nurseries to the local community was just as worthwhile. We now have around 35 people volunteering regularly to help maintain the three-quarters of an acre site.

"We're open for volunteers every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and get involved in local food growing projects and also with local schools. For example, we can grow vegetables and herbs – including peppers, tomatoes and aubergines – and then sell the seedlings or grow them for community groups or for a community garden.

"We've also grown bedding plants for the park and local schools come along to see how food is produced. We even run community cooking demonstrations.

"It means we are now becoming a real amenity – and we have transformed a neglected site in the park into something lots of people can enjoy. It's particularly important for those who live in a tower block who don't have a garden – they can get involved, grow something and meet people – and that makes a real difference to their lives.

"Without volunteers this would be something that would be lost to local people in Lambeth forever. It gives me an immense sense of satisfaction to know that I am not only preserving something from the past, but creating something that will benefit the community in the future."

The Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses welcome volunteers – and no experience is necessary.

Volunteering takes places on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12noon to 4pm.

To find out more visit www.brockwellparkcommunitygreenhouses.org.uk