In 2022, local Hammersmith resident Seth El-Shaddai began removing debris from the Hammersmith landing river slipway next to Riverside studios.
This slipway had been derelict and abandoned with rubbish allowed to build up there over years. The branches and general large objects, washed up or dumped there had blocked it and made it inaccessible.
Seth not only clearer the debris but, over the course of many months working mostly alone and without any financial support, began bringing plants into the space. By Christmas 2022, he had built an eccentric community garden called Bloomtide.
By summer 2023, Bloomtide was at its peak. Seth was growing fruits and seedlings he would give to passers-by. The slipway had been transformed. After initially, giving him a notice to leave, the council came to compromise with Seth by September 2023, saying he could remain on the slipway provided he move the plants to the sides and keep the centre clear. Seth did this and a satisfactory outcome seemed to have been reached for all involved.
In October 2023, Seth was forced to leave Bloomtide untended for unseen circumstances. He is now keen to return before the end of 2024, clear the slipway which has become derelict and blocked and rebuild Bloomtide - turning an unsightly, rubbish-filled space into an uplifting community garden once again.
A documentary Seth and I made about the garden, has enjoyed a sell-out run in the cinema at Riverside Studios and the feedback from all who watch it (many local residents) is that they want the Seth and Bloomtide back and they would love to help contribute anyway they can to support him in his return.
This ePetition runs from 19/10/2024 to 18/12/2024.
One person has signed this ePetition.