Outdoor roof space with active dye garden at the top of the Granary building.
Rooftop stewardship
The CSM Rooftop Terrace is maintained through the contributions of staff, students, and stewards who support the management and development of the space. The rooftop is intended as a shared resource that promotes learning and community engagement.
CSM Rooftop Garden Society
The Society is a student-led group that encourages engagement with the rooftop through seasonal and environmentally conscious activities. Activities vary throughout the academic year and are shaped by the interests of participating students. For updates on current projects and events, please visit @ual_rooftopgardensociety on Instagram.
History and permaculture
The terrace was established in 2015 as a student and staff collaboration to create an evolving permaculture growing space. Inspired by sustainable design and biodiversity, the project encourages these principles within cross-disciplinary learning and offers a welcoming community for all.
Permaculture activity:
- Works with natural ecosystems.
- Supports biodiversity and pollinators.
- Promotes sustainable, low-maintenance growing.
- Encourages responsible use of natural resources.
- Creates resilient, community-led green spaces.
Dye garden
The dye garden was added in Spring 2021. Dye Plants growing include: woad, weld, madder roots, marigold, dyers' chamomile, coreopsis, goldenrod, black knight scabiosa, tansy and eucalyptus.
It is part of the CSM print and dye studio as a learning resources for our students in Fashion and Textiles. It supports different projects and collaborations. For information about the dye garden please contact CSM Technician Florence Hawkins.
Read about our dye garden's journey from seeds to dye plants and colours.
Rooftop do’s and don'ts
- Visitors are encouraged to participate in workshops and learning, help grow and maintain the garden, compost responsibly, share the space respectfully and relax and enjoy the rooftop.
- Visitors are asked not to loiter, smoke, graffiti, litter or disrespect the plants and shared environment.
Who can access this space?
Students and staff are welcome to use the terrace when it is open.
Opening hours (Term time and Summer)
Weekdays: 11:00 am to 4:00pm
Weekends: Closed
See more
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Getting ready to turn plants to dye. Photo: Annie Fisher, BA Textile Design.
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Print and Dye workshops, Central Saint Martins, UAL. Photo: Ana Blumenkron
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'The Ocean Left Its Dead Alive', Lulu Tian, 2025 BA (Hons) Jewellery Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL