Loughborough Farm near Brixton, London, is a great example of what can be achieved by local community inspiration and effort. A small piece of unused land beside a housing estate was transformed into an oasis of green.

Because the ground is toxic, one hundred builders’ bags were used to organically grow herbs, greens, vegetables and flowers.These are tended and used in cooking by nearby residents. This is exactly the kind of place that will benefit chaffinches and other small birds.