Ecology and the Canal

Planting has been part of Grow from the beginning. Terrace planters were introduced early on, bringing greenery into the space and creating a more welcoming environment for people alongside plants and wildlife. Rather than filling the canalside with more seating, a different choice was made - to prioritise people and planet, creating a green oasis in the city.

In 2021, this expanded into the canal with a floating ecosystem. Built through collective effort and hands-on making with volunteers, the floating planters - sometimes described as a floating terrarium - form small islands for birds, bees, dragonflies and pollinators, contributing to biodiversity along the Lee Navigation.