About Us

 

 

Who we are 

We are a group of local people who work voluntarily to protect and improve Stoke Newington Common, N16. We believe that everyone needs access to open green space to relax, exercise and play in, and that the natural world helps us psychologically as much as physically. In London especially public parks are invaluable.
 

Please get in touch if you would like to help out in any way, email: snug.n16 [at] gmail.com

Our aims: 

  • Protect and enhance the environment of the Common by planting and looking after trees, hedging and other plants; creating habitats for wildlife; and preventing erosion and damage. 
  • Promote interest in and help local people appreciate and enjoy the Common both as a green space and a place of recreation, in our densely-built neighbourhood. 
  • Ensure all the diverse local communities use the Common and foster a sense of pride and ownership in it. 

We work closely with numerous other agencies to improve the Common, including Hackney Council (link opens in new window/tab), the Tree Musketeers/Hackney Tree Nursery (link opens in new window/tab), the Boiler House community space, and local schools and religious community groups.

Watch a short film about SNUG made by local filmmaker, Winstan Whitter (link opens in new window/tab). Click on the play button below or watch it on Vimeo (link opens in new window/tab).

 

What we've achieved so far

Before our input, the Common was barren, neglected and underused.

 
 Can you spot what's missing?

 

 SNUG has: 

  • Fundraised for and installed a playground, which opened in 2006. Before that, and despite the high number of children in this area, Clissold Park had the nearest playground 
  
 
 

 
  • Planted and tended numerous new trees and hedges on the Common, with help from Tree Musketeers, Hackney Tree Nursery, Hackney Council Parks Department and local volunteers.
  • Improved the environment and biodiversity 
  • Planted thousands of spring bulbs and wildflowers on the Common with the help of local residents, children from local schools and nurseries and Hackney Council
  • Rescued other neglected patches locally 
  • Got the fountain refurbished and installed benches around it
  • Campaigned for pedestrian crossings, to connect the Common with surrounding streets and enable children to get to the playground safely; and for 20mph speed limits on local roads
  • Organised many annual events on the Common each year including:
    • Fundays, featuring live music, stalls, food, art and craft activities, children's entertainment, face and henna painting, circus skills, history and more
    • Plant sales
    • Free bike repairs
    • Open-air cinema evenings
    • Mid winter sing-along
    • Past events including open air cinema, dog training and a photography competition and exhibition
    • Installed a table tennis table
    • Established our Knitting Group, Common Thread
    • Installed a mosaic alongside the playground thanks to our sponsors [PDF] and other fundraising