Aurora Climate Garden in Budapest - It all started with composting
About this good practice
This good practice responds to the overheating of cities, the growing need for green spaces and the use of compost produced locally.
The garden was initiated in 2019 by a volunteer who started cooking for the homeless and needy of Budapest in an abandoned gravel parking lot. A composter was set up to recycle the green waste from the kitchen, where local residents could bring their garden and kitchen organic waste under strict conditions.
In the first year, the gravel covering the car park looked unbreakable, so all the plants were planted in pots. The resulting compost mulch slowly took the place of the previous pavement. Initially, grass seeds were scattered, then a few plants were planted and nature was left to do the rest. In 5 years, the 400 square metre car park has grown into a real jungle, which no longer needs watering.
The aim of the practice was to create a unique ecosystem in the heart of Budapest, to which the compost produced in the garden contributed greatly. The composter produces 10-15 cubic metres of compost per year, which is enough for the 400 square metres of land. Another aim was community building and education. The garden is now open two days a week for anyone to visit, and groups are welcome and given a tour.
Resources needed
Key resources include: the leased area with a small building and minimal rent, voluntary work, and gardening tools. Additional resources may include composting equipment (e.g., compost turners, bins), waste management solutions, communication tools (flyers, social media), and funding sources.
Evidence of success
A 400 m² green space was created in place of a former gravel parking lot.
10-15 cubic metres of compost are produced annually, which contributes to the sequestration of 15-22 tonnes of CO₂.
100-150 people bring their kitchen waste to the composter annually.
50 volunteers participate in the project each year.
8 community events are organized annually.
Over 150 visitor groups have participated in guided tours in the past 5 years.
50 hours of educational programs are held in the garden each year.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice offers significant potential for learning and transfer due to its simple yet impactful approach to urban greening and waste management. The project demonstrates how an abandoned urban space can be transformed into a thriving green area using locally produced compost. The model is highly adaptable to other urban environments with minimal resources, making it accessible to communities and municipalities worldwide. Key transferable elements include community-driven composting systems, volunteer engagement, and educational programs that raise awareness about sustainability and urban ecosystems. Additionally, the low-cost implementation makes it feasible for replication in various settings. By emphasizing hands-on community involvement and the use of local organic waste, the initiative provides a blueprint for similar projects aiming to improve urban resilience and foster environmental education.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.