Mudchute Park and Farm on the Isle of Dogs secures its future with a 30-year lease

In the shadow of Canary Wharf's towers, 32 acres of fields, paddocks and gardens have been given a secure future. In March 2026, Tower Hamlets Council's cabinet approved a new 30 year lease for Mudchute Park and Farm, giving the much loved site long term security until 2055.

The decision followed a remarkable outpouring of support. A petition backing the farm gathered 6,583 signatures, which the council describes as the largest in the borough's history.

Mudchute has a story as unusual as its name. In the 19th century the site was used as a dumping ground for mud and silt dredged from Millwall Dock, pumped across East Ferry Road. In the early 1970s, when the land was earmarked for housing, local residents campaigned successfully to keep it as public open space. The Mudchute Association was formed and has run the farm and park since 1977. It is now described as one of the biggest city farms in Europe.

Today the farm welcomes around 250,000 visitors a year, and entry is free. It is an RBST Approved Conservation Farm Park, helping to protect rare breeds, and a Local Nature Reserve. Visitors can meet animals including sheep, chickens, ducks and a llama, and explore the Martyn Daniels Community Garden.

The charity's work reaches far beyond a day out. It provides outdoor education for more than 10,000 local children each year, runs year round childcare including a day nursery, and offers volunteering opportunities for people across the community.

Sue Mortimer, chair of the Mudchute Association's trustees, said a long term lease "would give us the foundation we need to protect our animals". Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman said: "We are fortunate to have outstanding community organisations like Mudchute Park and Farm." Councillor Peter Golds added: "Everybody should be pleased that the lease will be signed."

The farm remains a small independent charity, and it is clear that donations will remain vital. "We rely entirely on the generosity of our supporters," said Sue Mortimer.

Mudchute Park and Farm is in Cubitt Town on the Isle of Dogs, next to Mudchute DLR station. To plan a visit, volunteer or donate, visit mudchute.org.