The National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge launched this 23rd April encouraging residents who live in flats and apartments in Greater Manchester to start sowing seeds, planting up pots for their balconies or adding a window box for nature and their own wellbeing.
Plants create more green spaces in towns and cities, where access to nature is more limited.
Following a successful pilot in Greater Manchester in 2025, the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge returns and is now open to residents in the city region as well as those across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to spend time with nature by planting something. Watching even the smallest seedling grow can bring an immense amount of joy.
Research by the University of Manchester found that the balconies in Greater Manchester alone, add up to the space of 33 football pitches. Greening just a quarter of Greater Manchester’s balconies could host enough flowers to support 1.4 million pollinator visits and may provide food and habitats for other wildlife.
Working closely with award-winning balcony gardener and Manchester resident Jason Williams (known as The Cloud Gardener) the National Trust is highlighting how planting in these outdoor spaces can benefit residents by improving their wellbeing as well as creating a network of green space across towns and cities.
Jason says: “I began transforming my 18th floor balcony in lockdown in 2020. What I hadn’t realised is being so high up, it is several degrees warmer than being on the ground floor, so I have my own micro-climate and I have learnt what works for my balcony.
“Access to nature is great for our mental and physical health and I have loved transforming my balcony. Since planting my first marigold, it has led to a new career. I’m so pleased to be working with the National Trust on their Sky Gardening Challenge as it’s my passion to improve biodiversity in our cities.”
The campaign aims to support people to give it a go whether that is by growing herbs, vegetables or flowers from seed or creating a bug hotel. Planting up even the smallest space can create a pit stop for pollinators and by enhancing the space people could boost their mood and mental health too.
Workshops guiding residents to plant up pots with herbs, bulbs, or perennials, will be held in various locations across the Greater Manchester, thanks to support from L&G. One of the first is taking place today (April 23rd) at Hulme Community Garden Centre in Manchester. Further workshops will be taking place across Greater Manchester in collaboration with Hulme Community Garden Centre, Plant CIC and Northern Lily between May-July.
Residents who are interested in taking part in the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge can sign up via nationaltrust.org.uk/sky-gardening-challengeto receive a free handbook, packet of seeds and a regular newsletter with hints and tips and information about workshops. They will also be able to take part in a competition launching in June and the winners will be invited to a celebration event in October.
Director General of the National Trust, Hilary McGrady, says: “Nature has mattered to the National Trust right from the start. Our founder Octavia Hill campaigned to protect green spaces, especially for people living in cities. She knew, and we know, that access to green places is hugely important for our wellbeing. And of course, nature needs our help now more than ever.
“That’s why I’m really happy that we’re rolling out National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge nationally this year. Previous participants told us how much they enjoyed the Challenge and I’m looking forward to seeing even more people get involved, feel the benefits and make a difference to people and nature in their neighbourhood.”
Sign up to the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge and find further details here https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sky-gardening-challenge
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