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Across the UK, the idea of a circular economy  is gaining attention as a way to reduce waste and make better use of resources. But in Preston, this isn’t just a concept. At Let’s Grow Preston , we have been quietly building a circular community growing model  for years — one that turns donated resources into plants, food, skills, and improved wellbeing. This isn’t just about gardening. It’s about creating a system where nothing is wasted, and everything has value . What Is a Circular Economy? A circular economy is a system where resources are reused, repaired, and redistributed rather than thrown away. Instead of a “take, use, dispose” model, a circular approach focuses on: reducing waste reusing materials regenerating natural systems creating long-term social and environmental value At Let’s Grow Preston , these principles are embedded in everything we do, through plants, people, and community action. Step 1: Rescuing and Reusing Resources Our work often begins with resources that might otherwise go unused. We receive donations of: plants and seedlings seeds and compost tools and materials These come from a range of sources, including: plant nurseries and wholesalers recycling centres community partners local growers and allotment holders Rather than going to waste, these resources are given a second life  through community growing. Step 2: Growing Skills, Confidence and Connection Once these resources reach our sites, they become part of something much bigger. Volunteers and participants use them to: learn horticultural skills build confidence and routine improve their mental wellbeing connect with others in a safe, welcoming environment This is where the real transformation happens. What starts as a tray of seedlings or a donated tool becomes an opportunity for someone to feel: valued capable connected For many people, this is not just gardening! It’s a step towards improved health, confidence and purpose. Step 3: Producing Food and Plants Through these activities, volunteers grow: vegetables and fruit plants and seedlings pollinator-friendly flowers materials for community planting projects Everything grown has a purpose. Volunteers can see the direct impact of their work, something that is often missing in more traditional support settings. Step 4: Supporting the Wider Community The plants and produce grown through Let’s Grow Preston don’t stay in one place. They are shared across the city, supporting: community gardens parks and open spaces schools and education projects allotment holders local food hubs and community organisations Fresh food grown locally is distributed to help support people experiencing food insecurity, while plants and materials help strengthen green spaces across Preston. This creates a direct link between individual effort and community benefit . Step 5: Keeping the Cycle Going What makes this model truly circular is what happens next. Allotment holders and community growers often donate surplus produce, which is then: collected and redistributed shared with food hubs and community groups used to support local families This means: less food is wasted more people have access to fresh produce more communities are encouraged to grow The system continues to grow organically, sustainably, and collectively. Why This Model Matters This circular approach delivers impact across multiple areas at once. Environmental Sustainability reduces waste through reuse and redistribution supports composting and sustainable growing reduces carbon impact through local food production Mental Health and Wellbeing provides therapeutic outdoor activity creates safe, non-judgemental spaces reduces isolation and builds confidence Food Access supports food hubs and community food projects increases access to fresh, healthy produce redistributes surplus food within the community Community Resilience strengthens local networks supports collaboration between organisations builds long-term community capacity Skills and Education provides hands-on horticulture training builds confidence and employability supports learning for all ages and abilities More Than Gardening Let’s Grow Preston sits at the intersection of: environment health and wellbeing food systems community development This means our work doesn’t just deliver one outcome, it creates multiple layers of impact at the same time . From a single donated plant, we can support: a volunteer’s mental health a community garden’s growth a food hub’s supply a neighbourhood’s green space A Simple Way to Describe What We Do At its heart, our work can be described like this: Let’s Grow Preston operates a circular community growing model. Donated plants, seeds and tools are used in therapeutic and community horticulture activities. Volunteers grow food and plants while developing skills, confidence and social connections. The plants and produce are then shared across community gardens, parks, schools and food hubs, strengthening local green spaces and improving access to fresh food. Surplus crops from local growers are also donated back into the system, creating a sustainable cycle of environmental and social benefit. Growing a Community, Not Just Food What we’ve built in Preston is more than a gardening project. It is a community ecosystem . A system where: resources are valued people are supported communities are connected and growth happens in every sense of the word Get Involved If you’d like to be part of this growing community, there are many ways to get involved: volunteer at one of our sites donate plants, tools or resources partner with us as an organisation support our work through funding or sponsorship Email us to learn more: 📧 letsgrowpreston@gmail.com Stay Connected Want to hear more about how we’re supporting Preston through community growing? 🌱 Sign up to our newsletter for: volunteer opportunities project updates community events gardening tips and seasonal advice FAQs About Community Food Growing and Circular Economy in Preston If you’re searching for community gardening or food growing opportunities in Preston, you’re in the right place. What is a circular economy in simple terms? A circular economy is a way of using resources where nothing is wasted. Instead of throwing things away, materials are reused, repaired or redistributed to create ongoing value. In community growing, this means plants, tools and food are continuously shared and reused within the community. How does community food growing work in Preston? In Preston, community food growing involves local volunteers, organisations (like Let's Grow Preston ) and networks working together to grow food in shared spaces such as gardens and allotments. Groups like Let’s Grow Preston support these projects by providing plants, training and resources, while also helping redistribute food to community hubs and families. How does Let’s Grow Preston reduce waste? Let’s Grow Preston reduces waste by reusing donated plants, seeds, tools and materials that might otherwise go unused. Surplus fruit and vegetables from allotments are also collected and redistributed to food banks and community organisations, ensuring food is not wasted. Can I volunteer in community gardening in Preston? Yes, there are many opportunities to volunteer in community gardening projects across Preston. Let’s Grow Preston offers flexible volunteering where people can help with planting, growing, harvesting and maintaining gardens while improving their wellbeing and learning new skills. How does community gardening help mental health? Community gardening can improve mental health by providing a calm outdoor environment, physical activity and opportunities for social connection. Many people find that working with plants helps reduce stress, build confidence and create a sense of purpose. How does food growing help local communities? Food growing supports local communities by increasing access to fresh produce, reducing food waste and bringing people together. It also helps people learn new skills, strengthens community networks and supports local food systems.

Credit: Image From Blog Preston There are some moments that truly capture the spirit of a city — and the Proud Preston Awards 2026 was one of them. We are incredibly proud to share that our CEO, Annie Wynn BEM, took home not one but two major awards on the night: 🏆 Environmental Hero of the Year 🏆 Community Leader of the Year This recognition celebrates Annie’s outstanding leadership, dedication, and the powerful impact she continues to make across Preston. Transforming Preston Through People and Green Spaces Under Annie’s leadership, Let’s Grow Preston has become a driving force for positive change — transforming green spaces into places where people can: Connect with others Improve their wellbeing Learn new skills Access fresh, locally grown food From community gardens to inclusive growing projects, the work happening across Preston is making a real difference in people’s lives every single day. A Message from Annie Reflecting on the awards, Annie shared: “I am so delighted for the recognition received from Preston City Council. We are a tiny charity doing amazing things. I can’t do what I do without the team, our board of trustees and the volunteers. The beneficiaries inspire us all to do the best for them and the charity. Time is the most precious commodity any of us have — it is such an honour to be amongst so many inspirational people who devote their time and effort to collaborations to make Preston a better place for everyone. I am proud as punch to be the recipient of the 2026 Proud Preston Award and Environmental Hero of the Year, but it’s a team effort — I couldn’t do it without the support, collaborations and inspiration of so many people.” A Win for the Whole Let’s Grow Preston Community While Annie may have taken to the stage, this achievement belongs to so many people. It’s a reflection of: Our dedicated staff team Our passionate volunteers Our supportive board of trustees And the incredible individuals and communities we work with Together, we are building something truly special across Preston. Celebrating Community Across Preston The Proud Preston Awards 2026 shines a light on the people and organisations making a difference locally, and it was inspiring to stand alongside so many individuals doing incredible work. We’d like to say a huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Your efforts are helping shape a stronger, more connected Preston. Looking Ahead This recognition only strengthens our commitment to continue growing, supporting, and connecting communities through green spaces. There’s so much more to come, and we’re excited to keep building a healthier, greener future for Preston together. Get Involved Want to be part of the movement? Whether you’re interested in volunteering , learning to grow your own food , or supporting community projects , Let’s Grow Preston welcomes you. Together, we can keep making a difference 🌱

If you’re wondering what to plant right now in Preston, you’re not alone. Knowing what grows best each month can make all the difference, especially with the North West’s unpredictable weather. At Let’s Grow Preston , we help local people grow their own food, connect with nature, and build community through gardening. Whether you’ve got an allotment, a garden, or just a few pots, this monthly planting guide will help you get started. What to Plant in March in Preston As spring begins in Preston, the soil starts to warm up, making it the perfect time to sow hardy crops. Vegetables to Plant Now Carrots (early varieties) Beetroot Spinach Onions (sets) Peas Broad beans 👉 Tip: If the ground is still cold or wet, start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse. Herbs to Grow Parsley Chives Coriander (indoors to start) Flowers to Sow Sweet peas Calendula Poppies These not only brighten your space but also attract pollinators! 🐝 Gardening Tips for Preston in Early Spring Gardening in Preston comes with a few challenges, mainly rain and chilly temperatures. Top tips: Warm the soil with cloches or covers Avoid planting in waterlogged soil Start tender plants indoors Keep an eye on late frosts No Garden? No Problem You don’t need a big space to start growing. At Let’s Grow Preston, we support: Community gardens Allotments Container growing at home Even a windowsill can grow herbs or salad leaves! Get Growing with Let’s Grow Preston If you’re new to gardening or want to get more involved locally, Let’s Grow Preston offers: Free or low-cost workshops Volunteering opportunities Support for community growing projects It’s a great way to learn new skills, meet people, and improve your wellbeing. What to Plant Next Month In April, you can start planting even more, including potatoes, lettuce, and more herbs. 👉 Bookmark this guide or check back for monthly updates to stay on track with the growing season in Preston. Why Seasonal Planting Matters Planting at the right time helps: Improve crop success Reduce waste Support local wildlife Make gardening easier for beginners By growing seasonally in Preston, you’re working with nature, not against it. Ready to Start Growing? Whether you’re planting your first seeds or managing an allotment, March is the perfect time to get started. If you’d like support, advice, or a place to grow, connect with Let’s Grow Preston (that's us!) and become part of a thriving local community. Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Preston What can I plant right now in Preston? In Preston, what you can plant depends on the time of year. In early spring (March), good options include carrots, spinach, onions, peas, and broad beans. These crops handle cooler temperatures well and are ideal for beginners. When is the best time to start planting in Preston? The growing season in Preston typically begins in early spring (March–April). However, some hardy vegetables can be planted earlier, while tender plants like tomatoes are best started indoors until the risk of frost has passed (usually May). What vegetables grow best in Preston’s climate? Preston’s climate suits a wide range of crops, especially: Root vegetables like carrots and beetroot Leafy greens such as spinach and lettuce Hardy crops like onions and peas These thrive in the cooler, wetter conditions common in the North West of England. How do I deal with rainy weather when gardening in Preston? Rain is common in Preston, so it’s important to: Avoid planting in waterlogged soil Use raised beds or containers for better drainage Protect young plants with covers or cloches Good drainage is key to preventing root rot and poor growth. Can I grow vegetables in Preston without a garden? Yes! Many people in Preston grow successfully using: Containers or pots Window boxes Community gardens or shared spaces Even small spaces can produce herbs, salad leaves, and some vegetables. How can I get involved with Let’s Grow Preston? Let’s Grow Preston offers a range of ways to get involved, including volunteering, workshops, and community gardening projects. It’s a great way to learn new skills, meet people, and contribute to local green spaces. What are the easiest plants for beginners in Preston? If you’re just starting out in Preston, try: Lettuce Radishes Spinach Herbs like parsley and chives These are low-maintenance and grow quickly, making them perfect for building confidence. Should I follow a monthly planting guide in the UK? Yes — following a monthly planting guide helps you grow at the right time for the UK climate. In places like Preston, timing is especially important due to cooler temperatures and seasonal rainfall. 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.

12th March 2024 Today, we are thrilled to launch two new films created for us by Locality , a national membership network supporting local community organisations. The videos look at the life-changing work carried out by Let’s Grow Preston and our innovative partnership with the Preston Food Network and Preston City Council.  The film includes interviews with community leaders across Preston as well as Cllr Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, Sarah Threlfall, Deputy Chief Executive of Preston City Council, all discussing the importance of cross sector collaboration to the Preston Model . Our CEO, Annie Wynn BEM, said “This powerful film portrays what Let’s Grow Preston does and the significant and essential impact we have, on individuals and communities across Preston. Our work changes lives. Please watch, share and please donate to Let’s Grow Preston so that we can continue our meaningful and valuable work”.  Sarah Thelfall, Deputy Chief Executive of Preston City Council said: “None of us can make the change we want to on our own. The Preston model is focused on anchor organisations like Let’s Grow Preston, and people like Annie who’ve got the vision, and the energy to really drive change in their communities”.  The film will also be shown on Together TV, which is available on Freeview, at 11am and 5pm and will be accompanied by a “takeover day”. Locality’s social media channels, Facebook and will all be dedicated to highlighting the work of Let’s Grow Preston.  Please tag us in anything you tweet or share on the day.

Courtesy of the lovely people at Lancashire Adult Learning we are delighted to be able to offer a free Introduction to Mindfulness course for all of our wonderful active volunteers and network members. Introduction to Mindfulness Tuesday 19 March 2019 9.30am-12noon St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, Egerton Road, Preston, PR2 1AJ Find out more and book your tickets at

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