Kew Bridge in Brentford is a busy corner of west London, packed full of high-density housing and a large number of office buildings and old industrial sites. Situated on a tidal stretch of the Thames, it is surrounded by heavily-used roads (including the main route into and out of central London), very close to the Waterloo-Reading mainline railway, and directly under the increasingly noisy Heathrow flightpath.

Not the most obvious place for an eco-revolution then. But that's exactly what's happening right now on a patch of long-derelict land down by Kew Bridge itself. A group of eco-activists have taken over an empty plot of land that has been been the subject of interminable planning squabbles for nigh on two decades now, and are slowly transforming it into what, it is hoped, will eventually become a ecologically sustainable community-led project. Hidden behind the developer's huge blue board fencing and normally only visible from the top deck of one of the many buses that pass by 24 hours a day, this is an amazing site, running almost parallel to the bridge down to the riverside, and home to much beautiful flora and fauna (including a typically stealthy urban fox and an amazing selection of insects). As a local involved in the project, I would much rather see the eco-village happening on this site than to see all its wildlife cleared and concreted over for an eight-storey block of expensive flats that no-one in the neighbourhood wants (or could afford).

The intention is to get more local people involved in using the land for community gardens and other projects, eventually leaving it in the hands of local Brentford residents – the site's current inhabitants point out that they are only there “with hopes to facilitate the vision of the community”

by kick-starting the process. So far, the beginnings of a herb and vegetable garden are already evident, as well as a cunningly-constructed central structure for shelter and meetings, a compost toilet, a very basic but clever shower unit, and a simple but effective kitchen area. All of this has been constructed from recycled materials, adapted by the Villagers from what was already on the site or what has been donated by local supporters (and this support goes all the way up to the unofficial backing of at least one local councillor).

At the open day this last weekend, the visitor reaction was positive, intelligent and interested. Donated herbs and tomatoes were planted out in raised beds by residents and visitors alike (said raised beds being constructed – rather wonderfully – out of the bottom parts of old divan beds), visiting children (and a fair few of the resident grown-ups) had their faces painted as ladybirds and tigers and spiders and pirates, a very impromptu circus skills workshop wowed those present with fire tricks, and other informal workshops on subjects as diverse as common law, the uses of nettles and hemp, how to set up community projects and direct action were held for those who wished to get involved.

And the Kew Villagers want everyone to get involved – yes, that even means you. Yeah, you out there in cyberspace, sitting on your backside at home reading this blog and drinking a cuppa; you can get involved in this project too. No, seriously, you can. Come down to the site for a visit. It's easy to get to - there's a bus stop right outside, and Kew Bridge mainline station is just across the road (there are regular trains to and from Waterloo). Come along to one of the Thursday night public meetings, or just come along any day and say hello. Bring plants, seeds, cake, tools or useful equipment/materials – whatever you can. And if you can't bring these things, you can still bring your time, energy, enthusiasm, abilities, willingness to learn new skills and yourself – all are welcome, although I can't guarantee you the delicious chocolate cake I was greeted with on my first visit!

Join the Facebook group for more information and lots of photos of the project so far:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=88020757939&ref=mf

You can also follow the eco-villagers on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/KewEcoVillage

Send seeds, postcards, greetings, good vibes to:

The Eco Village

2 Kew Bridge Road

Brentford

Middlesex

TW8 0JF.

You'll often find me there, so pop by and say hello!