This project set out to build a mud kitchen and educational area on a parcel of land on Roots allotments – Meadow hill fields (Croydon).

The project was originally aimed at young families and children, but it unexpectedly attracted the older generation (40–60s) as well. Through engaging with the allotment community, I realised that people of all ages enjoyed the creative, hands-on activities—not just the final build. They valued the chance to share the space, be creative, and build something meaningful for the community. Their feedback showed a strong interest in more workshops focused on land, growing, and small building tasks. This revealed an audience I hadn’t anticipated: the wider allotment community and older participants who connected deeply with the project. Another way we engaged people was by using our own produce to make pickles, chutneys, and relishes, which we sold at events.

These events gave us the perfect opportunity to promote not only the market garden but also the mud-kitchen educational area. Showcasing these homemade products became a tangible example of what we could create together—from harvesting to processing—helping people understand the value of the educational space.