Growing a Circular Community: How Let’s Grow Preston Turns Resources into Wellbeing
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
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:
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:
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
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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.
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