We cannot rely on those in power to protect our environment, which means we all have to be vigilant.
For example, in the case of the Bethnal Green Mulberry Tree the High Court ruled that if all the information had been presented to the Planning Committee, they may have voted in a different way. The Judge clearly understood what the residents already knew.
To take the matter to court cost £40,000. This had to be raised by the community which shows that by working together we can protect our environment.
If you value having someone campaign on your behalf to protect the environment and having access to useful articles about gardening and local environmental matters, please make a donation to help us with the cost of maintaining The East London Garden Society.
In France, forgotten train tunnels are finding a new life as scenic green cycling and walking paths, blending history, sustainability, and recreation.
Once used to carry locomotives through mountains and countryside, these tunnels sat abandoned for decades after rail lines were decommissioned. Now, they have been transformed into safe, well-lit routes for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians.
The conversion process preserves the tunnels’ original stonework and historic character while adding modern touches such as LED lighting, ventilation systems, and smooth surfaces for easy travel.
Many of these paths are part of larger ‘greenway’ networks, connecting towns, villages, and rural landscapes while promoting eco-friendly transportation.
In summer, the tunnels provide a naturally cool escape from the heat, while in winter, they offer shelter from wind and rain. Along the way, travellers can enjoy panoramic views, wildlife sightings, and stops at local markets or cultural landmarks.
By reusing these structures, France not only preserves its industrial heritage but also encourages healthy lifestyles, tourism, and reduced car use.
It’s a shining example of how disused infrastructure can be repurposed to benefit both people and the planet. East London’s transformation is the London Highline.
George Loddiges (1786–1846) was a nurseryman who publicised his collections of plants and ferns in a publication called The Botanical Cabinet. The serial which ran from 1817-1833 was essentially a business sale catalogue, but one of great beauty, which eventually included around 2000 coloured plates of rare plants from around the world.
The Loddiges’ Hackney business was founded by George’s father, Conrad, a native of Hanover, and their nursery was on the site of the current Hackney Town Hall in Mare Street.
The family firm was already thriving but George was to be an innovative businessman in his use of this publication and in the development of an unusual and very special collection of plants.
The arboretum at the Hackney site was begun in 1816 and a decade later Loddiges were offering 2,600 hardy trees and shrubs in their catalogue but there were more innovations to come.
By the 1820s The Conrad Loddiges & Sons Nursery had also established an international reputation for the growing of tropical orchids and they were probably the first British firm to cultivate them commercially.
Many of these orchids were to appear in The Botanical Cabinet and by 1839 George Loddiges was able to produce the firm’s first catalogue devoted to their sale. In honour of his achievements, two orchids were named after him, Acropera Loddigesii which he introduced from Mexico and Cattleya Loddigesii from Brazil.
The immediate thoughts that arise is that there is a large horticultural need in the garden. Hopefully there is expertise within The Hackney City Farm to progress this most important space.
It is a cherished garden which has been nestled in south Hackney for more than three decades. The charity that runs St Mary’s Secret Garden made the shock announcement in December 2024 that it was likely to permanently shut as the organization had been forced to declare insolvency.
But following a steady grassroots effort over recent months, the garden has been re-opened for two days of the week, thanks to the stewardship of dedicated volunteers who started from scratch in the wake of the closure.
Hackney City Farm also stepped in and shared a business plan with the Town Hall, with the aim of ensuring the space stayed in locals’ hands.
“We got involved because the garden matters to Hackney,” said Chris Pounds, the farm’s manager. “It’s not just a green space, it’s a vital asset that brings people together. Our goal was to make sure it stayed that way.”
Kirsten Moore, who leads community development for St Mary’s, said Hackney City Farm had developed a business plan for the garden, shared its corporate volunteers groups and helped secure grant funding from the City Bridge Foundation.
She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that organisers were taking a phased approach while they build up a viable model, with the hope that they can, in time, open for more days of the week.
St Mary’s Secret Garden is now open on Wednesdays and Thursdays every week and visitors are welcome to explore what’s growing. They are hosting a harvest-themed community open day on Saturday 25 October 2025.
The Loganberry is a hybrid of the European red raspberry and the Pacific coast wild blackberry that was accidentally discovered in Santa Cruz, California, in 1881 by Judge James Harvey Logan, a lawyer and horticulturist.
Named in his honour, this fruit was developed from seeds he planted, leading to a vigorous plant with a tart, high-flavoured, dark red fruit that is larger and softer than a raspberry.
The loganberry's commercial cultivation is limited due to the labour-intensive harvesting process and its short shelf life, but it remains a beloved part of American culinary tradition, particularly in regions like the Pacific Northwest and New York, where it is used in juices, preserves, and other food products.
An amateur horticulturist, Logan recognized the unique potential of the fruit and planted its seeds, resulting in the loganberry. Plants will stay in their prime for 15+ years, after which they may begin to decline and crop less.
This recipe is loosely based on Bobby Flay’s famous Whidbey Island Loganberry Pie. But this is for something that can be enjoyed on the trail rather than at home or at camp. These delicious bars incorporate all the deliciousness of Bobby’s pie but in a form that is transportable and super easy to make.
You can make this recipe with blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. Or be daring and create a combination of whatever is fresh and on hand.
Can I use frozen berries?These bars are better with fresh berries but can be made with frozen berries if they are the only option available. Simply thaw your berries, drain off any excess liquid, and pat dry.
How long can I store the pie bars?
These cookies will keep for about three days in an air-tight container. If you need to store them for longer, freeze the pie bars. In the freezer, they will keep for up to three months. In both cases, remember to separate layers of pie bars with parchment paper.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use your favourite gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
With Loganberry Pie Bars, you have a delightful, homemade treat that combines the goodness of loganberries with the convenience and nutrition of a crumbly biscuit.
So, the next time you lace up your hiking boots, don’t forget to pack these delicious and energy-packed biscuits to fuel your adventure and satisfy your taste buds along the way.
