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What We Do

Let’s Grow Preston improves mental & physical wellbeing, environmental sustainability and community resilience through horticulture, volunteering and community partnerships.

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Our work is rooted in social and therapeutic horticulture, using gardening and nature-based activities to support wellbeing, build skills and strengthen communities.

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Across Preston, our work focuses on four main areas:

  • Supporting people through horticulture, gardening and volunteering

  • Growing food and plants for the community

  • Supporting community gardens and green spaces

  • Working with partners to strengthen local food and environmental networks

 

Together, these activities help people, communities and nature grow.

Supporting People Through Horticulture

 

Our gardens provide welcoming, supportive spaces where people can take part in meaningful outdoor activities.

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Volunteers and participants take part in practical tasks such as:

  • Growing fruit, vegetables and plants

  • Maintaining gardens and green spaces

  • Supporting biodiversity and wildlife habitats

  • Working together as part of a team

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These activities support:

  • mental wellbeing

  • confidence and self-esteem

  • practical life skills

  • connection with nature and community

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Our sessions reflect the principles of horticultural therapy, where working with plants can help improve emotional wellbeing, focus and resilience.

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We welcome people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who may benefit from additional support.

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Learn more about our programmes:

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Growing Food and Plants for the Community

 

Volunteers help grow fruit, vegetables and plants across our gardens.

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These plants and produce support a range of community initiatives, including:

  • local food projects

  • community gardens

  • plant sales that help sustain our work

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We also coordinate the collection of surplus fruit and vegetables from allotments, redistributing fresh food to food banks and community organisations across Preston.

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In 2023 alone, this work helped generate the equivalent of over 17,000 meals.

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Learn more about:

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Supporting Community Gardens and Green Spaces

 

Let’s Grow Preston supports a network of community growing projects across the city.

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We share plants, seeds, tools, advice and practical resources with:

  • community gardens

  • friends of parks groups

  • schools and youth organisations

  • local community groups

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By supporting other groups, we help more people access the benefits of gardening and green space.

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Learn more about:

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Working with Partners Across Preston

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We work closely with organisations across Preston and Lancashire to support projects focused on:

  • food access

  • environmental sustainability

  • community wellbeing

  • outdoor learning

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Our partnerships include local authorities, schools, charities and community organisations.

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Together we deliver projects such as holiday food markets, educational programmes and community growing initiatives.

 

Learn more about:

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Our Gardens and Growing Sites

 

Let’s Grow Preston manages two main growing spaces across the city.

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These sites provide safe, welcoming environments where volunteers, schools and community groups can learn, grow and work together.

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Our spaces include:

  • community gardens

  • polytunnels

  • accessible growing areas

  • outdoor learning spaces

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Learn more about our sites.

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Get Involved

 

There are many ways to support Let’s Grow Preston:

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To learn more about what we do and how it impacts the PR postcode, please visit "Our Impact" page.

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