Charushila (charity no 1163253) is an environmental design charity based in the UK. We engage with communities, organisations including other charities and artists to transform spaces. We work in the UK and internationally. Charushila is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘Beautiful foundations’.

Caracas, Venezuela

Here a disused space near a Metro Station, Caracas, Venezuela, was transformed into a play space garden. As no waste was allowed out on the Metrocable, all things found on site were repurposed and used.  Previously unknown local plants were identified. Local children, community and station staff were engaged in the participatory design.

Ladakh, Western Tibet

Workshop on sustainable design with Tibetan refugee children in Ladakh, North India, at the Druk White Lotus School. Ladakh, at 3,500m above sea level, is a high-altitude desert where temperatures fall to minus 30 degrees in winter; for about five months of each year the region is cut off from the rest of India by snow.

Ealing, London, UK

A wild garden in a West London park. The concept of a wild space where children can build their own seats and climbing logs using materials found on site, alongside a small insect 'hotel' and a kitchen garden. The ideas were developed after a workshop with the children and interviews with parents.

Hackney, London, UK

Bryant court, Blueprint space, East London. An unused space was reinvented as a community space and kitchen garden following one year of community engagement including photography, gardening and pottery workshops. Reclaimed building materials from Chelsea Garden show and nearby pottery studio were used to create benches. Stone carving training was given by a stone sculptor and biophilic images created to adorn the benches.

Ramallah, West Bank, Palestinian territories

An unused space with years of rubbish was cleared out. Waste plastic bottles, tyres and bottle caps were used for the plants and seats after a workshop about waste and plastic with school children. Herbs and plants that did not need much watering were planted. Painting during and after the work was finished, completed the project. This project initiated many other projects run by local groups and charities.

Acton Central station kitchen garden

After one year of engagement and planning with local community and businesses, station staff, charity and volunteers, this project came to be on the Overground station platform. Now it is being maintained by more than18 volunteers and children alongside the station staff. The garden provides a welcome relief with its ornamental and kitchen garden planters, many made locally from waste wood.