What SNUG do and why
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
SNUG aims to:
- Protect and enhance the environment of the Common by planting and looking after trees, hedging and other plants; by creating habitats for wildlife; as well as preventing erosion and damage.
- Promote interest in and help local people appreciate and enjoy the Common as both 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, the Tree Musketeers and local schools and community groups.
Watch a short film about SNUG made by local filmmaker, Winstan Whitter. Click play below or watch it in vimeo (this will open in a new window)
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| Can you spot what's missing? |
Before our input, the Common was quite barren, neglected and underused.
Over recent years 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 or Springfield Park had the nearest playgrounds. Both are nearly two kilometres away.
- Planted numerous new trees and hedges on the Common and tended these, with help from Tree Musketeers and local volunteers. SNUG has also tried to improve biodiversity in other ways too,
- Planted thousands of spring bulbs and a summer meadow on the Common with the help of local residents, children from local schools and nurseries and Hackney Council
- Commissioned the wooden tree seat and benches; and got the fountain refurbished
- Rescued other neglected patches locally, including beds outside Rectory Road and Stoke Newington train stations; the corner of Filey Avenue and Chardmore Road; gardens along Sanford Terrace; and the garden at number 1 Osbaldeston Rd.
- 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 events on the Common each year including:
- Fundays, featuring live music, stalls, food, the Albion Kids Show pirate ship, art and craft activities, face and henna painting, circus skills, Universal Games, history and more.
- Plant sales
- Free bike repairs
- Open-air cinema evenings
- Mid winter sing-along
- Other events, including guided history tours
SNUG's other activities include:
