From bud to bloom, lottery grant boosts wellbeing workshops

New gardening workshops are starting in North Devon in January thanks to an award of £20,000 from the National Lottery.

Called ‘Gardening for Good’, groups of up to 15 people will be invited to participate in six-week sessions covering a wide range of gardening activities to improve wellbeing.

Shannon Keary is co-founder of not-for-profit organisation The Gardeners Co CIC, “To be able to fully fund 96 classes for all ages in the coming year is going to make such a difference to a lot of people who really need the joy of growing in their lives.”

The group have a full time base at Home Farm on the Arlington Court National Trust estate in North Devon.

Website: thegardenerscollective.co.uk

Co founders Tatyana Matthews and Shannon Keary

Each week will be themed, including sessions on gardening basics, growing mushrooms, microgreens, natural crafts and wildlife, plus design and build projects.

There are no strict criteria for joining, other than needing a minimum of 8 per group who can commit to a six week programme. For more information email Shannon: hello@thegardenerscollective.co.uk