The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), environmental charity Hubbub and Social Farms & Gardens announce new UK-wide programme intended to support and expand community gardening groups
Backed by £3.8 million from The National Lottery Community Fund, the four-year programme aims to strengthen the long-term sustainability of community gardening across the UK. The partners said it will support existing groups, help create new growing spaces and improve access to land in areas with limited green infrastructure.
According to figures published alongside the announcement, around 2.5 million people already take part in community gardening, while almost 15 million say they would like to get involved. The organisations also said many groups face financial and organisational pressures, with more than half concerned about their future viability and 30% operating on annual budgets below £500.
Sarah Galvin, Head of National Community Programmes at the RHS, said: “Community gardens are critical infrastructure – they support people, planet and place – but the path to creating, maintaining and maximising a space is not always straightforward. Our intention is to unite 20,000 community gardening groups into a bold, inclusive movement and unlock the power of green spaces to deliver climate action, strengthen communities, and improve lives across the UK.”
The programme will focus on increasing participation, supporting skills development and strengthening local and national networks between community growing groups. Work with local authorities and policymakers is also planned as part of the initiative.
Gavin Ellis, Director at Hubbub, added: “Community gardens are proven catalysts for grassroots climate action. We’re a nation of nature lovers, making these spaces uniquely powerful – where a connection to nature becomes a gateway to wider environmental engagement. Yet despite nearly 15 million people wanting to get involved, local groups are too often underfunded and overwhelmed. This funding recognises community green spaces as the critical infrastructure they are, equipping 20,000 groups to drive meaningful climate action in their own neighbourhoods.”
A central element of the scheme will be a digital platform, scheduled to launch in 2028, offering practical resources including growing advice, workshops, mentorship opportunities and guidance on accessing funding. The platform is also intended to provide tools for groups to measure environmental impact and recruit volunteers. The programme will also work with disability gardening charity Thrive on improving accessibility and reducing barriers to participation for underrepresented groups and growers with additional needs.
Gary Mitchell, CEO at Social Farms & Gardens, said: “Community gardeners want to share their brilliant skills, not only in gardening and connecting people but how they address many of the key concerns society faces. Their insights shaped this much needed programme, which will see garden groups support each other locally, regionally and across the four nations. We are delighted that the programme brings together the experience of SF&G, Hubbub and the RHS for the first time to bring multiple benefits to UK communities, with a focus on beautiful neighbourhood community gardens, local skills development, enjoyable community connection and serious impact.”
An annual summit bringing together gardeners, funders and policymakers is expected to begin in 2026.
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