Are you looking for a fun and rewarding way to get involved in your local community and make a positive difference to the environment?

If so, why not visit the Highgate Society’s stall at the Fair in The Square on Saturday June 10, where we are highlighting the activities of our Community Projects Group.

We are all volunteers who organise a range of activities to improve the appearance of wider Highgate and contribute to the wellbeing of our community. Meeting monthly in different locations, we deal with litter, graffiti and fly-tipping. You may have seen us out and about in orange gilets with litter pickers and rubbish bags. We find a surprising range of items from bathroom units to road signs, and sort everything for recycling and non-recycling. Litter poses a health risk to people and animals and harms our environment.

The group has been busy guerrilla gardening during April and May. We have weeded and planted bulbs, seeds and flowers in neglected spaces across Highgate. Our aim is to brighten up the area and promote biodiversity. Veolia recognised our contribution to the community with a recent sustainability grant which has helped us buy more bulbs and plants.

Ham & High: Andrew Sulston has been doing a bit of guerrilla gardening in HighgateAndrew Sulston has been doing a bit of guerrilla gardening in Highgate (Image: Highgate Society)

We also look after Highgate’s public defibrillators, which can save lives, and organise first aid training run by the London Ambulance Service. The group has also installed noticeboards across the area for public use which are kept tidy and attractive.

The Community Projects group welcomes anyone who would like to help, whether you are an experienced volunteer or a beginner, young or old or new to the area. Many parents and children have joined us and enjoyed the experience. You don’t need to bring anything but your enthusiasm and willingness to get your hands dirty. You will also meet new people, gain new skills and have fun.

If you are interested, come along to find out more at our stall in Pond Square where we will have display boards and volunteers to explain what we do and how you can get involved. There will also be a fun competition for all ages.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join us and help make Highgate a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful place to live and work.

You can also check our website: HighgateSociety.com for dates of future events, how to contact us and follow us on social media.

  • Andrew Sulston is a Highgate Society council member and lead on Community Projects.