Surrey community gardening project supported by Squire's as part of 2024 programme

The programme, in a brand new format this year, seeks to assist community gardening projects that educate, grow produce, or provide health and wellbeing benefits through horticulture. Over 80 applications were received within a 6-week period, highlighting the need for funds by local groups who are championing horticulture for the benefit of their local community. Awards will not only give valuable financial support but also practical advice from Squire’s horticulturalists to assist them in making a major step forward within the locality they serve.

Nine groups have now been presented with their award, comprising Squire’s vouchers so they can choose plants, tools and other gardening supplies. Initial meetings have also taken place with local Squire’s team members who will support projects with their expert advice. As the spring gardening season gets underway, award winners will be making their proposed plans a reality, armed with additional funds and their teams of willing gardeners. Projects will culminate at the end of July, when award recipients will report back on their achievements.

Love Where you Live Award Recipients:

· The Therapy Garden, Normandy – supported by Squire’s Badshot Lea

· Badshot Lea Community Garden – supported by Squire’s Badshot Lea

· Farncombe Community Garden – supported by Squire’s Milford

· Surrey Care Trust – supported by Squire’s Reigate

· The Peace Garden Volunteers, Pinner – supported by Squire’s Stanmore

· Teddington Library Community Garden – supported by Squire’s Twickenham

· Merrow Community Garden – supported by Squire’s West Horsley

· Horsell Residents’ Association - supported by Squire’s Woking

· Wokingham in Need (Wokingham Community Hospital) - supported by Squire’s Wokingham

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of applications we received for our new ‘Love Where you Live’ programme, supporting the communities close to our centres. Equally, it’s fantastic to see that there are so many keen supporters and groups with a really strong desire to enhance their local environment through the wonderful benefits horticulture delivers.

“Our centres are embedded in the communities we serve and this programme enables us to give back to the local area. It sits alongside many other initiatives such as our Charity of the Year programme and our work with local schools and groups to encourage the next generation of gardeners.

“The range of applications received certainly highlights the strong recognition of the health and wellbeing benefits plant brings – either through creating something pleasing for communities to enjoy or creating a shared spaces that brings individuals together. We are really looking forward to following the journey of our nine projects over the coming months and supporting where we can. We are sure they will deliver great benefits to local communities.”

Squire’s ‘Love Where You Live’ 2025 programme will open for applications in late 2024.