Writer in Residence at Culpeper Community Garden

My name is Naomi Woddis and I am currently the Writer in Residence at Culpeper Community Garden in Islington, London. I am a writer, performer, workshop facilitator and event curator. Together with fellow performer, Dzifa Benson I am the founder of Word Migrants literature consultancy. Amongst other venues I have performed at the Southbank Centre, O2 Wireless Festival and Theatre Royal Stratford East. My collaborative online invention Poetry Mosaic is gaining in international popularity. My pamphlet “Life is Music” was published in 2007.

Culpeper Community Garden is a beautiful public open space in the heart of Islington, London, which serves both as a city park and as an environmental community project. Managed by and for local people, it is a unique project where people from all walks of life come together to appreciate and enhance their environment.

Surrounded by roads and a busy shopping area, Culpeper is often described as ‘an oasis’. Children and adults alike love to explore the pathways, ponds and wealth of plants. It’s a perfect place for a picnic or simply for relaxing.

The organic garden comprises a lawn, ponds, rose pergolas, ornamental beds, vegetable plots, seating and a wildlife area. It contains 50 plots including 2 raised beds for disabled gardeners: these small gardens are for community groups, children, and for people living nearby who do not have gardens. Tending the garden is a communal effort by garden members and volunteers.

Culpeper has won many awards over the years, including ‘best display in a public space in London’, awarded by the London Gardens Society, 1999, 2000 and 2002, and ‘Best Communal Garden in London’, awarded by London in Bloom, 2003.