Swindon school wins Dobbies community gardens campaign

Friends of Beechcroft School have been chosen to receive support for their green space from Dobbies Garden Centre in Swindon.

Dobbies Garden Centres have announced the local charities and community organisations set to benefit from its support this year. The community gardens campaign aims to help the winners, which include schools, nurseries, care homes, allotments and community gardens, to create, enhance, or revitalise their indoor and outdoor green spaces.

Friends of Beechcroft School, selected by the Swindon store as part of Dobbies Community Gardens, are working to enhance the school's outdoor space by teaching children the full process of growing from seed to harvest.

With support from Dobbies, the team hopes to receive equipment and seeds to bring the project to life. As children learn what’s needed to grow plants and experience the satisfaction of seeing the results of their care, they’ll also gain skills they can take home and share with their families. The project not only improves the school environment but also fosters a lasting connection to gardening and sustainability for pupils and their communities.

Over 600 groups applied to Dobbies Community Gardens when it opened in March. Each Dobbies’ store selected a local project to support from the nominations that were made.

The winning school will now receive a one-on-one session with Dobbies’ Green Team at the Swindon store to kick-start the activity. The team will support Friends of Beechcroft School throughout their project with products, tools and plants, along with volunteer hours to help bring the green space to life and keep it thriving.

Andrew Emery, Dobbies’ Swindon store General Manager, said: ““We're committed to supporting the local communities around our Swindon store, to help as many people as possible get the benefits of garden living, whatever that means for them.

“Congratulations to Friends of Beechcroft School who have been successful in receiving our support this year. We’re looking forward to supporting this school and are excited to see their space flourish.”

To find out more about Dobbies Community Gardens and see this year’s winners, visit www.dobbies.com/community-gardens.