London's secret underground farm operates in a WWII bomb shelter

Beneath London lies a hidden world – from forgotten train stations to wartime government bunkers. Now, there's even a farm down there.

In the depths of Clapham, under London's bustling streets, the Growing Underground farm thrives in a former WWII bomb shelter. Instead of livestock, it grows microgreens—herbs and salad crops for the city's restaurants.

"My interest in sustainability and the future of cities led to this idea," says Richard Ballard, co-founder of the farm, in an interview with Dinogo. As London property prices soar, traditional farming has been pushed out of the city center.

Ballard, together with his business partner Steven Dring, came up with the concept of farming beneath the streets of London after discovering a WWII-era bunker in Clapham while scouting film locations. Located 33 meters underground, the shelter was built between 1940 and 1942 to protect up to 8,000 people from air raids.

Hydroponic Farming Technology

The plants thrive on hydroponically grown beds made from recycled carpets—soil-free techniques enhanced by newly developed LEDs that provide the essential light and warmth for growth.

Bathed in a soft pink glow from the artificial lights, shelves filled with fresh salad greens and herbs are growing so rapidly that local restaurants are struggling to keep up with demand.

This underground harvest may soon reach supermarket shelves, making it possible for Londoners to buy food grown beneath their very feet.

"Before the tunnels were repurposed, they were lined with bunk beds, stacked three or four high, used during the destruction above ground when London was bombed," explains Ballard. "Now, we’re using a similar 'bed' system to feed the city."

The Growing Underground initiative is inspiring other unique farming ventures, as innovators seek new ways to grow food in areas where land is scarce.

"We’ve had interest from landowners and individuals with unique spaces across the globe," Ballard shares. "There are countless more sites and regions where we can expand our farming in the future."

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