Welcome to Let’s Grow Preston: Growing Community & Wellbeing
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
In the heart of Lancashire, Let’s Grow Preston is more than a garden — it’s a place where people reconnect with themselves, with others, and with nature.
Through horticultural therapy in Preston and inclusive community gardening projects, we support mental wellbeing, reduce isolation, and create meaningful opportunities for people to grow in confidence and purpose.
Whether you’re looking to volunteer in Preston, improve your mental health, or simply spend more time outdoors, there’s space for you here.
Our Story: How Let’s Grow Preston Began
Let’s Grow Preston began life in 2011 as the Preston Environmental Forum, originally set up as a network of community environmental projects across the city.
Over time, it became clear that gardening was doing more than improving green spaces — it was improving lives.
The organisation evolved into Let’s Grow Preston, focusing on the powerful connection between nature, wellbeing, and community. Today, we continue to build on those foundations by creating and improving green spaces that positively impact the people living around them.
Our Mission
We promote physical and mental wellbeing through volunteering in horticulture.
Our gardens follow the principles of social and therapeutic horticulture, creating safe, supportive environments where people can take part at their own pace.
We empower communities and individuals through:
Community gardens
Woodland and park improvements
Food growing education
Volunteering opportunities
Horticultural training and workshops
At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: green spaces strengthen communities.
Our Charitable Aims
Let’s Grow Preston works to:
Provide training and resources to help community groups manage and maintain green spaces
Provide a network of communication and support for community environmental groups and activities
Promote skill sharing, volunteering, and shared resources
Promote and publicise community environmental activities across Preston
We don’t just grow plants — we grow connections between people, projects, and communities.
What We Do
Horticultural Therapy & Wellbeing
We promote mental and physical wellbeing through structured volunteering in horticulture. Our sessions are welcoming, flexible, and inclusive.
The by-products of our gardening activities — seedlings and plants grown by volunteers — are:
Used in community projects
Shared with local organisations
Sold to generate income for the charity
This income currently supports the purchase of seeds and growing materials, helping sustain our work.
Sharing Resources Across the PR Postcode
Let’s Grow Preston acts as a network for environmental and community groups across Preston.
We share:
Plants, seeds, and seedlings
Policies and risk assessments
Tools and donated gardening equipment
Knowledge and best practice
We support:
Other community gardens
Friends of parks and open spaces
Schools
Community organisations across the PR postcode
By sharing resources, we help Preston grow together.
Our Locations
Let’s Grow Preston manages two welcoming garden sites:
At both sites, volunteers can book one- to two-hour sessions to:
Maintain the gardens
Grow food
Support community projects
Build pride in local green spaces
We welcome volunteers of all ages, abilities, and gardening experience levels.
All sites:
Are wheelchair accessible
Have toilet facilities (including disabled access)
Follow the principles of horticultural therapy
We also facilitate horticultural training and a variety of workshops throughout the year.
Volunteer in Preston
If you’re looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities in Preston, we’d love to hear from you.
You can:
Come along during opening hours
Register online to become a volunteer
Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated
No experience is required. Just come as you are.
Introducing the Let’s Grow Preston Gardening Club
We’re excited to announce the Let’s Grow Preston Gardening Club, a new initiative for anyone who loves spending time outdoors, learning about plants, and connecting with the community.
The club offers:
Regular meet-ups for gardening enthusiasts of all ages and abilities
Hands-on activities like planting, harvesting, and seasonal projects
Opportunities to share knowledge and learn new horticultural skills
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, the Gardening Club provides a relaxed, supportive environment to grow plants and friendships.
Growing More Than Gardens
Let’s Grow Preston exists to strengthen community wellbeing through nature.
Through community gardening in Preston, resource sharing, and horticultural therapy, we’re building spaces where people feel valued, connected, and supported.
Together, we’re growing confidence, resilience, and a greener Preston.
Frequently Asked Questions About Let’s Grow Preston
What is Let’s Grow Preston?
Let’s Grow Preston is a local charity promoting physical and mental wellbeing through horticultural therapy and community gardening in Preston, Lancashire. We manage Ashton Walled Garden and Grange Community Garden, offering inclusive volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
What is horticultural therapy?
Horticultural therapy (also known as social and therapeutic horticulture) uses gardening and plant-based activities to support mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. At Let’s Grow Preston, volunteers take part in structured yet relaxed gardening sessions designed to improve confidence, reduce anxiety, and build community connection.
How does horticultural therapy support mental health?
Gardening and time spent outdoors have been shown to:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve mood
Increase physical activity and routine
Support emotional regulation
Reduce loneliness and isolation
Our horticultural therapy sessions in Preston provide a calm, supportive space where people can grow at their own pace.
Where are Let’s Grow Preston’s gardens located?
We manage two sites in Preston:
Ashton Walled Garden
Grange Community Garden
Both locations are wheelchair accessible and include toilet facilities (including disabled access).
How can I volunteer in Preston with Let’s Grow Preston?
If you're looking for volunteer opportunities in Preston, you can:
Visit one of our gardens during opening hours
Register online to become a volunteer
Sign up to our newsletter for updates
No gardening experience is required. Sessions typically run for one to two hours, and you can book a slot that suits you.
Do I need gardening experience to join?
No. Our community gardening sessions welcome volunteers of all abilities and experience levels. Guidance and support are always available.
Who can benefit from community gardening?
Community gardening in Preston can benefit:
People experiencing anxiety or depression
Individuals feeling isolated or lonely
Those seeking meaningful volunteering
People wanting to build skills in horticulture
Anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors
We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
Do you provide training in horticulture?
Yes. Let’s Grow Preston facilitates horticultural training and workshops. We also support skill development through hands-on volunteering opportunities.
How does Let’s Grow Preston support other community groups?
We share resources across the PR postcode area, including:
Plants, seeds, and seedlings
Gardening tools and donated equipment
Policies and risk assessments
Knowledge and environmental best practice
We work with schools, community organisations, Friends of Parks groups, and other community gardens in Preston.
How is Let’s Grow Preston funded?
Plants and seedlings grown by volunteers are used in community projects and sold to generate income for the charity. This income helps cover the cost of seeds and growing materials, though staff costs are not yet fully covered.
What is the Let’s Grow Preston Gardening Club?
The Gardening Club is a community initiative offering regular meet-ups, hands-on gardening activities, workshops, and social events for people of all ages and abilities in Preston.
How can I stay updated?
You can sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on:
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