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Check out our latest 'Dates for Your Diaries' and give us a shout if you would like to find out more.

The 3rd annual Let's Grow Preston Spring Fair will be held on Saturday 27 April 2019, 10am-4pm at Ashton Walled Gardens, and we are looking for local businesses, crafters, communities organisations and charities to get involved. The fair regularly sees hundreds of people from across the area come to stock up with plants ready for summer and treat themselves to crafts and gifts. We also have a great presence from community members raising funds and awareness for their projects. There is also the rare opportunity for members of the public to visit the amazing Dig In Garden , which will be specially open to celebrate Dig In's 6th birthday. If you would like to find out more or get involved please contact jenny@letsgrowpreston.org , 07535 836281 #fair #event #preston #plantsales

To go along with our new membership of Garden Organic (lots of fantastic heritage seeds will be coming our way soon!) we have arranged a visit to the acclaimed Ryton Organic Gardens , along with a tour of the Heritage Seed Library . Ryton Organic Gardens, based just outside Coventry, have been one of the leading lights of the UK organic gardening scene for many years, showing just how successful, healthy and beautiful your gardens can be when you grow in harmony with nature. The visit will take place on Friday 29 March, meeting at Ashton Walled Gardens for an 8.00am start. We will then head off in the minibus for the approximate 4 hour journey down to Ryton, before returning to arrive back at Ashton around 9.00pm. There is a cost of £6 per person to cover fuel expenses, the cost of entrance into the gardens will be covered by Let's Grow Preston. For more information or to book your place see https://lgp-rytongardens.eventbrite.co.uk or contact us . #organicgardening

Our new leaflet is now available

We are delighted to announce that we are again running our popular free fruit tree and bush pruning course. The course will be held on Saturday 23 February, 10.00am-1.00pm at Grange Park Interpretation Centre. The garden outside the Interpretation Centre has a number of fruit trees and current bushes that have been neglected for some years and so provides the perfect location for a hands-on course showing you exactly how to return all types of fruit trees and bushes to health for excellent crops year on year. For more information and to book your place on this free course please see https://lgp-pruningcourse.eventbrite.co.uk or contact us at letsgrowpreston@gmail.com #pruning #course

Learn how to graft fruit tree cuttings onto root stock in this informal, yet informative course. Our horticultural whizz kid, Chris Taylor, will take you step by step through the process of successful grafting. Date: Saturday 16 February 2019 Time: 10.00am-1.00pm Venue: Grange Community Garden, opposite no. 79 Fir Trees Avenue, Ribbleton, Preston, PR2 6QW The course is free to attend, with just a £5 charge (payable in cash on the day) if you wish to take your newly grafted tree home with you. Find out more and reserve your place at https://lgp-fruittreegrafting.eventbrite.co.uk Please contact us at letsgrowpreston@gmail.com , 07535 836281, for more information or to find out about all of the other ways that you can get involved with Let's Grow Preston. #course #preston #grafting

Good afternoon blog followers and welcome, sadly to the very last blog documenting the various gardening voluntary pursuits young Alex Ashworth is dedicating to. As the title suggests this was my last day at Preston Parks. After 12 months of working with Senior Park Ranger Steve Smith and the team at Ashton Park this marks a transitional period in my life in which I make that brave move into the workplace. Today marked the very last in many ways. It was the last litter pick round Ashton Park, the last time I'll talk to the employed dog walkers and the final time I'll enjoy a nice brew break with Steve. Throughout my time at Preston Parks, Steve has shown continual support and given me the much needed confidence to be able to make today a successful departure. I've also been able to enjoy the peaceful serenity of Ashton Park whilst helping out in both the community and fruit garden. It's been brilliant contributing my time to the peace garden and the horticultural class throughout the spring and summer. The people I've met during this time have been both memorable and unique in their love for nature and their enthusiasm to get the work required done. By March ( 2016 ) I was given the privilege and opportunity to begin writing blogs about my voluntary gardening work. For the past 6 months or so I have covered every area in detail and precision of the organisations I have worked for. It's been fantastic. I recognise and appreciate how hard it may be for Steve now I have gone. But am sure he fully respects my decision and he will welcome me back if I chose to do so in the future at any time. Once again, I thank the team at Preston Parks for the last year and I wish the organisation all the best for the future. Thank you. It's been

Across the UK, community food growing  has become an increasingly important way to support local food systems, improve wellbeing and tackle food insecurity. In Preston, volunteers, community organisations and local partners are working together to grow food, share knowledge and ensure that fresh produce reaches people who need it most. Let’s Grow Preston is at the heart of this work, as we are a network that supports community gardens, food growing projects and local food distribution initiatives across the city. Through volunteering , partnerships and community-led projects, Let’s Grow Preston helps ensure that growing food locally benefits both people and the planet . Why Community Food Growing Matters Community food growing is about much more than producing vegetables. Across towns and cities, unused or underused land is increasingly being transformed into community gardens and food growing spaces  where people can learn, volunteer and grow healthy food together. In Preston, projects such as Avenham Community Garden, St Barnabas’ Place and Moor Nook Community Allotment  have helped turn neglected spaces into vibrant growing environments that bring communities together. These spaces provide opportunities for: learning how to grow food improving physical and mental wellbeing building community connections increasing access to fresh, healthy produce Let’s Grow Preston works to support and connect many of these projects , helping community groups access resources, training and practical support. Supporting Food Access in Preston One of the most important ways community food growing contributes to the city is through local food support initiatives . For example, the Holiday Market Project , originally developed by Preston City Council and delivered by schools, faith organisations and community groups, were created in response to growing concern around holiday hunger  — when families struggle to access free school meals during school holidays. These markets operate using a “pay as you feel” model , helping ensure families can access food in a dignified and accessible way. Food for these markets comes from a combination of sources, including: surplus food from FareShare fruit and vegetables grown through Let’s Grow Preston community partnerships across the city Markets are typically held in schools, church halls and community centres , helping ensure food reaches families where it is most needed. Responding to Food Needs During the Pandemic During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of community food networks became even clearer. Between April and September, Preston City Council worked in partnership with FareShare and Let’s Grow Preston  to support communities experiencing increased food insecurity. Together, the partnership helped deliver: 23 holiday markets 2 food pantries 11 food banks 3 meals-on-wheels schemes During this time: 1,440 families were supported each week 47,520 food parcels were delivered The equivalent of 570,240 meals  were provided Throughout the pandemic, staff and volunteers from Let’s Grow Preston also continued weekly food deliveries to local schools and community hubs , helping ensure vulnerable families could access fresh food. In recognition of this work, the Mayor of Preston awarded Let’s Grow Preston a City Hero Award  for outstanding support to the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. Harvesting Surplus Food Across the City Another important part of Preston’s community food system is the collection of surplus fruit and vegetables from allotments and gardens . Each summer, volunteers harvest produce that might otherwise go to waste. Over a period of around 8–12 weeks , this surplus food is redistributed to food banks and community organisations  across Preston. This work not only helps support local families, but also reduces food waste and the environmental impact of discarded produce. Using the Harvestometer tool , Let’s Grow Preston measures the impact of this work in terms of: meals generated financial value of redistributed food carbon savings from preventing food waste In 2023 alone , this network helped generate the equivalent of over 17,000 meals . Growing Food, Growing Skills Community food growing also creates opportunities for people to learn new skills and connect with nature . Let’s Grow Preston regularly delivers food growing training and workshops , both at its community hub at Ashton Walled Garden  and at other sites around the city. These sessions help participants learn practical skills such as: sowing seeds growing vegetables understanding plant growth maintaining healthy gardens Food growing can also be a powerful way to introduce children to science and sustainability. For example, Let’s Grow Preston worked with Year 1 pupils at St Stephen’s Primary School  to deliver a seed sowing workshop, where children learned about germination and planted their own peas and beans. As part of the workshop, the pupils also received “grow your own salad kits”  to take home, helping families begin growing food themselves. Activities like these help children develop: motor skills curiosity about nature awareness of where food comes from confidence in trying new foods Community Impact in Numbers Let’s Grow Preston has always supported a wide range of food growing and community initiatives across the city. Some of our impact since 2023 includes: 1,500+ horticulture sessions delivered 21,000+ volunteer hours contributed Over 1,000 meals distributed each week through food hubs 150+ weekly van collections delivering food support to around 300 families per week 4.5 tonnes of carbon saved  by growing and distributing food locally Together, these projects show how community growing can contribute to healthier communities, stronger local networks and a more sustainable food system . A Community Effort The success of Preston’s community food growing projects depends on collaboration between volunteers, charities, schools and local organisations. As Christine Clitheroe from St Cuthbert’s Church explained: “With your help we have been able to deliver 1,000 bags of food to local families via primary schools. During the first lockdown, you also helped deliver 1,500 food bags by supplying fresh fruit and vegetables from the community gardens and providing families with fruit and veg pots to grow at home. It’s been an amazing achievement as a team and the families have really appreciated the support.” Stories like this highlight the power of community action and local partnerships . Growing the Future of Food in Preston Community food growing continues to play an important role in Preston’s future. By supporting volunteers, sharing resources and working with local partners, Let’s Grow Preston helps ensure that: more food is grown locally less food goes to waste communities have greater access to fresh produce people can learn the skills to grow food themselves Through gardens, training, partnerships and community projects, food growing is helping create a healthier, more resilient Preston . Get Involved There are many ways to be part of Preston’s community growing movement. You can: volunteer at a local garden attend a workshop support local food projects help harvest surplus produce To learn more about community food growing or volunteering opportunities , visit the appropriate web pages or contact us at letsgrowpreston@gmail.com . Frequently Asked Questions About Community Food Growing in Preston What is community food growing? Community food growing is when people work together to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs in shared spaces such as community gardens, allotments or public green spaces. These projects help people learn how to grow food, improve access to fresh produce and build stronger local communities. Community food growing can also support mental wellbeing, environmental sustainability and food education. Are there community gardens in Preston? Yes. Preston has a growing network of community gardens and food growing projects across the city. Examples include: Ashton Walled Garden Grange Community Garden Avenham Community Garden St Barnabas’ Place Moor Nook Community Allotment These spaces allow local residents to volunteer, learn gardening skills and grow fresh food for themselves and their communities. Let’s Grow Preston helps connect and support many of these projects by providing resources, training and practical advice. How does community food growing help tackle food poverty? Community food growing helps tackle food poverty in several ways. Locally grown food can be shared with community food hubs, food banks and support projects that provide meals to families who need them. Growing food locally can also reduce food waste by redistributing surplus produce that might otherwise be thrown away. In Preston, partnerships between community groups, Preston City Council and organisations like FareShare help ensure that locally grown food reaches people who need it most. Can I volunteer in a community garden in Preston? Yes. Many community gardens in Preston welcome volunteers of all ages and experience levels. Volunteering can involve activities such as planting, harvesting vegetables, maintaining gardens or helping with community events. It’s a great way to learn new skills, spend time outdoors and meet other people in your community. Let’s Grow Preston regularly hosts volunteer sessions across its growing sites. What are the benefits of volunteering in community food projects? Volunteering in community food projects can provide a wide range of benefits, including: improving physical and mental wellbeing learning gardening and food growing skills meeting new people and building community connections supporting local food initiatives spending more time outdoors and connecting with nature Many volunteers also find it rewarding to know that their work helps support local families and community organisations. Stay Connected With Let’s Grow Preston If you’re interested in community food growing, gardening events, volunteering opportunities or local food projects , our newsletter is the best way to stay up to date. By signing up, you’ll receive: updates on community gardening projects across Preston invitations to workshops and volunteer sessions seasonal gardening tips and resources news about events and plant sales opportunities to support local food initiatives 🌱 Sign up to our newsletter to stay connected with Let’s Grow Preston and the growing community food movement in Preston.

At Let’s Grow Preston , we believe that everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow and feel part of their community. For many young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) , traditional learning environments can feel overwhelming. Outdoor spaces can offer something different — calm, practical environments where learning happens through doing. Through our gardens and growing spaces, we provide safe, welcoming opportunities for young people with additional needs to develop confidence, life skills and independence . A Supportive Environment for Learning We work with individuals with themselves, schools, colleges, carers and families across Preston  to support young people with a wide range of needs, including: Autism (ASC) Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH) Moderate learning difficulties Additional physical needs Every individual is different, so our horticulture therapy sessions are designed to be flexible and supportive , allowing participants to work at their own pace. Being outdoors often helps reduce anxiety and sensory overload, creating a calmer environment where learners feel able to engage. Learning Through Practical Activities Our sessions focus on hands-on outdoor activities  that help develop both practical and personal skills. Participants may take part in: Planting, growing and harvesting crops Working in polytunnels and garden spaces Light gardening and maintenance tasks Developing teamwork and communication skills These activities help learners see the results of their work, building confidence, focus and a sense of achievement . Sessions can also be adapted to suit the abilities, interests and goals  of each group or individual. Gardening as Horticultural Therapy Many of the activities young people take part in during our sessions reflect the principles of horticultural therapy . Horticultural therapy is the use of gardening and plant-based activities to support physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Across the UK, it is increasingly recognised as a valuable way to help people build confidence, develop skills and improve their overall quality of life. For young people with SEND, working with plants can provide a calm and structured environment where learning feels more natural and less pressured. Activities such as planting seeds, caring for crops and harvesting produce offer clear routines and visible results, which can be especially helpful for those who benefit from practical, hands-on learning. Outdoor gardening sessions can support: Emotional regulation and reduced anxiety Focus and engagement Confidence and independence Sensory experiences that are grounding and calming The natural rhythm of gardening — planting, caring for and watching things grow — allows participants to develop patience, responsibility and a sense of achievement. While our sessions are not clinical therapy, many learners experience the therapeutic benefits of spending time outdoors , working with plants and being part of a supportive community . For many young people, this combination of nature, routine and encouragement can make a lasting difference. Accessible Spaces for Everyone We understand that accessibility is essential for meaningful participation. Our sites are designed to support a wide range of needs and abilities. We work closely with schools, carers and support staff  to ensure each visit is safe, comfortable and productive. Support options include: Visits for individuals or small groups Teachers, carers or support staff attending sessions Tasks adapted to suit different abilities Low tables and adapted tools where needed Full wheelchair access across all sites Accessible toilets Our aim is to create an environment where learners feel safe, supported and able to succeed . Building Confidence and Life Skills While gardening is the activity, the real outcomes go much deeper. Taking part in outdoor horticulture therapy sessions can help young people develop: Confidence and self-esteem Independence and practical life skills Engagement with learning Communication and teamwork Preparation for employment or further education For many participants, the experience provides a bridge between education and the wider world , helping them build skills that support their future. Why Outdoor Learning Works Well for Neurodiverse Learners For many neurodiverse young people, traditional classroom environments can be challenging. Busy spaces, long periods of sitting, and abstract learning can sometimes make it harder for students to engage or feel confident. Outdoor learning environments offer a different approach. Gardens and growing spaces provide calm, practical settings where learning happens through experience rather than instruction alone . This can make a significant difference for learners who benefit from movement, sensory engagement, and hands-on activities. In outdoor environments, learners can: Move around freely rather than remaining seated Engage with natural sensory experiences such as soil, plants and fresh air Follow clear, practical tasks with visible outcomes Work independently or alongside others at their own pace Nature also provides a rhythm and structure that can feel predictable and reassuring. Tasks such as watering plants, harvesting vegetables or preparing soil create routines that many learners find grounding. For some young people, this type of environment can reduce anxiety and make it easier to focus. For others, it offers the opportunity to build confidence through practical success rather than academic pressure . At Let’s Grow Preston, we aim to create spaces where learners feel safe, supported and able to explore their abilities in their own way. Outdoor sessions allow many young people to discover strengths they may not have had the chance to show in other settings . A Real Experience from a Local School A specialist autism school in Preston brought a group of learners to visit Let’s Grow Preston. After the session, they shared the following feedback: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally and as an organisation for giving our learners the opportunity of valuable work experience, enhancing their academic outcomes and future life prospects. The first session started with a wonderful orientation walk led by Chris Taylor. The learner was put at ease immediately before being introduced to Donna, who explained the tasks for the day — picking ripe tomatoes in the polytunnel. The level of support offered to our learners was fantastic, which gave the pupils the confidence to take the task on independently. Throughout the time we spent there the pupils were fully engaged and enjoyed themselves immensely. Brookview School hope that we can utilise your amazing facility for the foreseeable future. It is an ideal resource that has a positive impact on the lives of our pupils and provides an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom.” Feedback like this reminds us how valuable practical, real-world experiences  can be for young people with additional needs. We regularly see the positive impact of outdoor learning on young people who visit our gardens. The feedback from schools and support staff highlights just how valuable these experiences can be. For Schools, SENCOs and Support Teams If you are a teacher, SENCO, support worker or parent  looking for meaningful outdoor learning opportunities for young people with SEND, Let’s Grow Preston may be able to help. Our gardens provide a calm and supportive environment where learners can develop practical skills, build confidence and experience the benefits of working outdoors. We can support: Small group visits Work experience placements Outdoor learning sessions Enrichment activities linked to classroom learning Sessions can be adapted to suit the needs of each group, and teachers or support staff are welcome to attend and provide additional support where needed. We are always happy to discuss individual needs and explore how our sessions could work for your learners . Arrange a Visit The best way to understand what we do is to visit. You are welcome to: Drop by during our open hours to see the gardens Arrange a visit for your school or group Contact us to discuss how we might support your learners 📧 letsgrowpreston@gmail.com We would be delighted to show you around and talk about how outdoor learning and gardening activities could benefit your students. FAQ: Outdoor Learning & Horticultural Therapy for SEND in Preston What is outdoor learning for SEND learners? Outdoor learning for SEND learners in Preston uses gardens, polytunnels, and natural spaces to provide hands-on, practical education. It helps young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities build confidence, life skills, and independence while reducing anxiety and sensory overload. How does horticultural therapy support SEND students? Horticultural therapy in Preston involves structured gardening activities designed to support emotional, social, and physical wellbeing. For SEND students, it improves focus, emotional regulation, confidence, and practical life skills in a calm, supportive outdoor environment. Which SEND needs can benefit from outdoor learning and gardening? SEND outdoor learning at Let’s Grow Preston benefits learners with Autism (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, moderate learning difficulties, and additional physical needs. Each session is adapted to the individual’s abilities and goals. What activities are included in SEND gardening sessions? Learners participate in planting, growing, and harvesting crops, maintaining polytunnels and garden spaces, light gardening tasks, and teamwork exercises. These hands-on activities provide visible results, boost confidence, and develop practical skills. Are the outdoor learning sessions accessible for all abilities? Yes. Let’s Grow Preston provides fully accessible gardens with wheelchair access, adapted tools, low tables, accessible toilets, and tasks tailored to individual needs. Small group visits and one-to-one support are also available for SEND learners. How does outdoor learning help neurodiverse learners? Gardens offer neurodiverse learners a calm, sensory-rich environment where they can engage in structured, practical tasks. Outdoor learning supports focus, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence in a less pressured setting than traditional classrooms. Can schools and parents participate in horticultural therapy sessions? Absolutely. Schools, SENCOs, teachers, and parents can arrange small group visits, work experience placements, outdoor learning sessions, and enrichment activities linked to classroom learning. Sessions are adaptable to meet each learner’s needs. How can I arrange a visit to Let’s Grow Preston? You can visit during open hours, book a school or group visit, or contact us via 📧 letsgrowpreston@gmail.com  to discuss tailored outdoor learning and horticultural therapy sessions for SEND learners in Preston.

At Let’s Grow Preston , we are proud to currently work with eight allotment sites across Preston , helping local gardeners grow food, share resources, and support the wider community. Our mission is to make gardening accessible, sustainable, and rewarding for everyone. Our Allotment Sites We support the following allotments across Preston: Penwortham East Penwortham West Haslam Park Sharoe Green Deepdale Serpentine 1 Serpentine 2 Serpentine 3 By working with these sites, we help ensure that local gardeners have the tools, seeds, and guidance they need to grow fresh, healthy produce throughout the season. Seed and Seedling Support At the start of the growing season, we provide seeds and seedlings  to allotment site representatives. These are shared among allotment holders to kickstart the season and encourage vibrant, productive gardens. Harvesting and Food Redistribution During the summer months, we collect surplus fruit and vegetables  from allotments on a weekly basis for around 8–12 weeks. This surplus produce is distributed to food banks around Preston , providing fresh, nutritious food to those in need. Using the Harvestometer tool , we track the impact of our work in terms of: Meal value  – the number of meals generated Monetary value  – estimated cost savings for recipients Carbon value  – environmental benefits of redistributing food In 2023 alone, our network collected the equivalent of over 17,000 meals , helping to support both people and the planet. Resources for Community Groups and Gardeners We aim to support community environmental groups  across Preston in every way possible. By joining the Let’s Grow Preston network , your group can access shared resources designed to save money, connect with others, and grow greener spaces. Public Liability Insurance Many groups face the challenge of affording Public Liability Insurance , which is essential for running gardening activities and small public events. Let’s Grow Preston offers free Public Liability Insurance  to eligible member groups. Eligibility: Covers gardening and environmental activities Includes small public events such as open days Must be based in Preston and part of the Let’s Grow Preston network This initiative is one of the few community-based schemes providing free insurance  to local groups, helping reduce financial pressure and enabling safe participation. 👉 Apply for Public Liability Insurance via our contact form. Plants, Tools, and Materials We work with local suppliers  and receive donations of plants, seeds, compost, tools, and other gardening materials, which are redistributed across our network. We also reuse materials from previous projects to reduce waste and support more groups. If your group could benefit from resources, you can: Contact us directly Visit Ashton Walled Garden Submit a request through our community garden wishlist 👉 Request Resources 👉 Learn more about our community garden wishlist Our Community Wishlist The Let’s Grow Preston Community Wishlist  is a simple way for members to request the items they need for gardens, green spaces, and community projects. Whether it’s seeds, tools, compost, or larger materials, the wishlist helps us understand the needs across our network and distribute resources efficiently. Thanks to generous donations, we’ve already redistributed: Greenhouses and sheds Plants and seeds Gardening tools Compost and soil Building materials such as wood and gravel By sharing resources, we reduce waste and help more people grow . Members can submit requests at any time, and donors are welcome to contribute new or used items to support the community. 👉 Request support via the wishlist 👉 Donate items to our community gardens Why Join our Free Let’s Grow Preston Members Network? Joining our network comes with a range of benefits: Access to shared resources and materials Free Public Liability Insurance Opportunities to connect with other local groups Share knowledge, ideas, and support Take part in training, events, and collaborative projects We are a friendly, supportive community working together to grow greener spaces across Preston . Working Together for a Greener Preston At Let’s Grow Preston, we believe in collaboration, sharing, and making the most of what we have . Whether your group is just starting out or is already running a project, we are here to provide guidance, resources, and encouragement every step of the way. Together, we can make Preston’s allotments and community gardens thriving spaces for people, plants, and the planet. FAQ: Supporting Allotments and Community Gardening in Preston Which allotment sites does Let’s Grow Preston support? We work with eight allotment sites across Preston: Penwortham East, Penwortham West, Haslam Park, Sharoe Green, Deepdale, Serpentine 1, Serpentine 2, and Serpentine 3. How does Let’s Grow Preston help allotment holders? We provide seeds and seedlings at the start of the growing season, collect surplus fruit and vegetables during summer, and redistribute them to local food banks. We track the impact using the Harvestometer tool. What resources are available for community gardening groups? Network members can access plants, seeds, compost, gardening tools, pots, and other materials. We also offer guidance, training, and opportunities to connect with other local groups. Does Let’s Grow Preston provide Public Liability Insurance? Yes. Eligible member groups in Preston can receive free Public Liability Insurance for gardening and environmental activities, including small public events such as open days. What is the Community Wishlist? The Community Wishlist lets members request plants, tools, compost, or other materials for their gardens or projects. Donors can contribute new or used items to help support the network. How can my group join the Let’s Grow Preston network? Groups can join by filling out our member interest form. Membership gives access to shared resources, free insurance, training, community connections, and support for gardening and environmental projects. How does Let’s Grow Preston help reduce waste? We redistribute surplus produce, reuse materials from previous projects, and share resources across our network, helping to reduce waste while supporting more community gardening projects.