Nicholas Smith

BSc

Talent

RainhamMember since May 17, 2026

Natural leaderAdaptableConscientiousOpen-mindedCuriousReflectiveSpontaneousPatientPassionateHumbleCooperativeDeterminedResilientInventive

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Natural leaderAdaptableConscientiousOpen-mindedCurious

About

Over 12 vibrant years as a professional organic food grower across three unique community projects, I've nurtured gardens that thrive all year-round using no-dig and zero-carbon methods, while significantly boosting crop yields. I'm passionate about the magic of food growing — from bringing people together and boosting wellbeing, to sowing seeds of connection, creativity, and inclusion in every community I work with.

Experience

Community Food Grower - Sufra NW London – St Raphael's Edible Garden - London

(2020-07)

Sufra NW London is a charity preventing hunger, tackling poverty, and building community. Based on Brent's St. Raphael's estate, St. Raphael's Edible Garden is an award-winning community food growing project, winning RHS 'Outstanding' garden in 2020 and 2021. The garden provides organic produce, horticultural learning, and a therapeutic space for residents.

Planned and maintained a year‑round biodiverse food garden, integrating organic foodbank waste into composting to reduce waste
Managed planting, propagation, and cultivation, ensuring plant health and sourcing seeds, compost, and equipment
Led and coordinated hundreds of communities, corporate volunteers and ex‑offenders, improving infrastructure, skills development, and community cohesion
Produced and distributed 3.2 tonnes of organic produce (2020–2025) to residents and visitors
Recorded key impact data (e.g. produce yield and CO₂ sequestration) for reporting purposes
Supported delivery of a weekly pay‑what‑you‑can garden market, increasing attendance from 81 (2021/22) to 760 (2024/25)
Ensured health & safety compliance, delivering volunteer inductions and promoting safe use of tools and equipment

Community Food Grower - Granville Community Kitchen / Kilburn Park School

(2017-10 - 2020-03)

Overhauled community gardens into beautiful organic urban demonstration spaces
Delivered 100+ school tutorials / volunteer sessions, corporate workdays

Computer Tutor - We-Are-Digital - Thanet

(2015-08 - 2016-08)

Created and delivered 100+ specialised private and group IT training sessions
Tailored sessions to meet individual developmental needs / help students master new skills

Private Gardener - Self-Employed - London / Thanet

(2014-01 - 2016-07)

Community Gardener - Ecolocal - Carshalton

(2010-08 - 2014-09)

Managed 200+ volunteer / community payback sessions at Westmead Allotments
Rejuvenated entire community allotment into a diverse organic food production hub
Produced year-round organic produce in line with professional farmer's market standards
Developed crucial local partnerships to sustain permaculture standards