The Phytology Medicinal Garden was established at Bethnal Green Nature Reserve in 2014. This urban physic garden provides free food and medicine for local and surrounding communities.

Generally regarded as weeds, the plants in the garden have been selected for their historic and ongoing use in phytotherapy*, traditional and conventional medicine. The garden has been sown with over thirty varieties of plants common to the streets of London and urban ecosystems across the country.

Plants include: Yarrow, White Dead-Nettle, Common Mallow, Marshmallow, Ribwort Plantain, Broadleaf Plantain, Dandelion, Red Clover, Feverfew, Chamomile, Cowslip, Elecampane, Mugwort, St John's Wort, Cleavers, Comfrey and Common Nettle etc.

Visitors are invited to harvest from the garden with the support of the Phytology team. The meadow grows in pollution-free soil to ensure our plants are safe from contamination and suitable for daily use.

Phytology is a community-led project exploring the value of complex ecosystems within the urban landscape.

* Phytotherapy is the study of the use of extracts of natural origin as medicines or health-promoting agents.

Opening Times

The Nature Reserve will be open for drop-in visits each Saturday 2pm – 5pm, 4th May - 30th November, 2024.

No prior booking is required during this time.

Weekly Volunteer Sessions

11am – 1pm Saturdays, 4th May - 30th November, 2024

A weekly activity where people can connect and help care for the Nature Reserve. We have x10 places each week, so please use this link to register your availability to join.Our volunteer sessions are for all interests, ages and abilities.

Some activities include:

• Sitting quietly by the pond observing bird, insect and amphibian life
• Litter picking
• Watering and harvesting from the medicine garden
• Composting
• Sharing your knowledge and experiences
• Bat habitat surveying
• Woodland management

Please get in touch if you have any questions or access requirements info@bethnalgreennaturereserve.org.

Please check our calendar or social media for updates on our events schedule or email our team directly to arrange a site visit.

Bethnal Green Nature Reserve, Middleton Street, Bethnal Green, E2 London

Phytology is a Nomad Projects commission - supported by the Cape Farewell, Wellcome Trust, Grow Back Greener Fund