Determined enthusiasts are busy cycling hundred miles of waterways, through North Kensington and Paddington, to change them for the better.

Cyclist Leela O'Deal was given her job by British Waterways of scouting out for places along London's canals, including the Grand Union, which can be turned into allotments.

She said: "Even in central London we have plans for mooring unused barges filled with earth, for people to come along and manage them as allotments.

"My job is to help make more use of some derelict pieces of rough land as well. There are little patches even a few square metres that can grow vegetables, quite near very built-up areas.

"We're appealing to people to get together, and offer to run these places."

Ms O'Deal's job was sparked after British Waterways agreed to help London Mayor Boris Johnson fulfill a target of finding 2012 new allotments in London by the year 2012. There is currently a huge waiting list for plots in areas such as Fulham allotments, in Bishop's Road.

Chimney sweep Fenton Willis, who has a barge called St Florian and lives on west London's waterways, revealed what rich land can lie behind banks of canalside scrub and grass.

"The wages of canal workers used to be at starvation level, and they grew their own food here to survive. This is just the sort of land that can be added to the idea of the floating gardens.

"Anything that makes our canals better known is brilliant. The more people know the more they'll fight in the long term to keep this wonderful slice of history.

Ms O'Deal joins canal ranger Joe Young, whose mission is to spread peace and harmony along the towpath.

"You quite often get walkers protesting, saying cyclists should be banned," said Mr Young. "On the other hand you get walkers outraged that their dogs have been caught up in somebody's wheels.

"I try to be the soothing person in between these arguments. When you think about it, these canals pathways are such a valley of greenery and tranquillity it's a shame when people can't get on."