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With over 400 years of horticultural history, learn more about the Wolves Lane Centre.
Our Legacy
Our Story
The land around Wolves Lane has been in agricultural use since at least the 17th century. The site can be traced as far back as 1611 when it was known as Widow Pearson’s Rose Fields, and by 1904 it formed part of Alexandra Nurseries before transitioning to allotment gardens. The New River was dug in 1613 to carry fresh water from the River Lea to London, and once looped through the Wolves Lane Centre site before being diverted underground in the 19th century. While the surrounding area urbanised through the Victorian era and saw terraced housing spread north in the 1920s, this patch of land is one of the only areas that has remained in continuous agricultural use.
1600'S
In the 1970s the site was developed by Haringey Council as a plant nursery, growing plants for the borough’s parks service, and introducing the set of 9 glasshouses and palm house that still define it today. The glasshouses are a standout feature of this sloping 3.5 acre site which visitors often liken to the architectural design of Kew Gardens. Cherished by locals and described as a "mini-Eden", the palm house is home to terrapins, koi carp and tropical plants.
1970's
After the centre fell into disrepair and closed in April 2017 due to central government austerity cuts to Haringey Council’s budget, Organiclea’s proposal to develop a community food hub was accepted by the council in January 2017, and the consortium began the formal handover of site management in April 2017. The initial consortium was led by OrganicLea, alongside Crop Drop, Dee Woods, and London Grown Workers Co-op. The Ubele Initiative was invited to deliver workshops on spatial justice soon after, and between 2017–2019 Ubele’s involvement deepened from participant to formal co-steward.
2017
What began as separate organisations working in proximity became a formal stewardship partnership underpinned by a 25-year lease being negotiated between OrganicLea and Haringey Council.
The Wolves Lane Centre, a former council nursery, was transformed into a community-led market garden following a major £2.5m funding boost from the Mayor of London's Good Growth Fund and the National Lottery, securing its future by 2022-2023.
The Turning Point
About Us
History
Turning Point
A Greener Future
This investment funded sustainable infrastructure, designed by Material Cultures and Studio Gil, ecologists. The Wolves Lane Centre is now a thriving, climate-resilient space featuring three new eco-buildings, along with soft landscaping, reed beds, sustainable drainage, and rainwater harvesting.
The project reanimates the previously dilapidated site by retaining the existing glasshouses and adding much-needed community assets.
This redevelopment is not just about construction; it's about centring local needs, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing climate resilience. As we embrace a greener approach, the Wolves Lane Centre will become a hub for education, a space for growth, a gathering spot, and a communal green haven.
We're not just transforming a site – we're creating a model for urban climate-informed change.
Wolves Lane is supported by
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