Urban farm stands boost connection to nature and food for offices in the heart of the West End

The Crown Estate partnered with Square Mile Farms to set up urban farm stands at its Air Street and 12 Charles II Street offices. Engaging workshops raised awareness of sustainable food and encouraged hands-on growing.

Two urban farmstands have been installed at The Crown Estate’s Air Street and 12 Charles II Street offices, in partnership with Square Mile Farms, specialists in vertical farming for city spaces. Throughout the year, a series of events and workshops invited occupiers to learn about urban agriculture, participate in hands-on food growing, and discover simple ways to bring sustainable practices into their daily lives.

The initiative aimed to make edible planting visible at work, spark conversations about food systems, and foster informal connections among staff. By linking with the wider Future of Food Festival, the project advocated for nature’s place in the city, encouraging small, practical steps that colleagues could take at home and in the workplace. Reported impacts include increased awareness of sustainable food systems, high engagement in activities, and the creation of new focal points for community interaction.

Partner:

The Crown Estate

Collaborators:

Square Mile Farms

Green infrastructure type:

Green walls
Vertical planting

Ecosystem services provided:

Engagement