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Tayshan Hayden-Smith – Nature of Things: A Salon For Curious Minds

A conversation about equality in environmentalism, gardening, and being part of a community

Climate Champion Maria will be interviewing Tayshan Hayden-Smith, founder of Grow to Know, a community gardening group founded after the tragedy of Grenfell. Maria and Tayshan will be discussing making gardening and environmentalism more equal for Londoners. Hosted at Grand Junction’s Bantaba House, with custom cocktails and mocktails for the event, it promises to be a night to remember.

Free Childcare Provided

Part of “Nature of Things: A Salon for Curious Minds”, a monthly series of talks centered around the climate.

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The evening is presented by Paddington Development Trust and Grand Junction, as part of the “Nature of Things: A Salon For Curious Minds” monthly series of talks.

Tayshan Hayden-Smith is a pioneering cultural changemaker, author, and socio-environmental activist who is redefining the relationship between urban communities and the natural world. Widely recognized as the “Grenfell Guerrilla Gardener”, Tayshan’s journey into environmentalism began in the aftermath of the tragic 2017 Grenfell Tower fire. Turning to the soil for therapy and collective healing, he cultivated a community garden at the base of the tower, sparking a lifelong mission to democratize nature.
As the founder of the non-profit organization Grow to Know, Tayshan campaigns fiercely for “green equity”, the fundamental belief that access to nature is a human right, not a luxury. His work directly challenges systemic inequalities by transforming forgotten concrete environments into thriving, bio-diverse green sanctuaries. By successfully bridging the gap between grassroots activism and mainstream culture, he has collaborated with global brands like Nike and Gucci to bring nature-driven solutions to underserved communities, while co-creating award-winning, purpose-driven gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
An influential voice for planetary and social change, Tayshan is the author of Small Space Revolution and serves as a Commissioner on the London Climate and Sustainability Commission alongside the Mayor of London. Recognized globally for his impact, he was named one of National Geographic’s inaugural global honorees for community-led planetary change. Uncompromising in his values, Tayshan stands at the forefront of a modern environmental movement that is inclusive, disruptive, and deeply rooted in community.

Date: 24 September 2026

Start Time: 19:00

Doors: 18:30

Bar: Open from 19:00. We serve a selection of craft beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks.

Length: approx. 2 hours

Standard Ticket: FREE

We recommend pre-booking tickets to guarantee entry.

Venue: Grand Junction Café at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Rowington Close, London W2 5TF

Closest Stations: Royal Oak (Circle and Hammersmith & City line) 0.3 miles

Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo line) 0.4 miles

Paddington Station (National Rail services and Circle, District, Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City line) 0.9 miles