Local heroes nurturing Bulwell community given financial boost
A local voluntary group that has planted the seeds of success for dozens of Bulwell residents has secured its immediate future thanks to donation from a local packaging firm.
Bulwell Forest Garden is a community garden in the heart of the town, but hit hard times last year when its Nottingham City Council funding was cut and many feared that the project would need to close.
This week a cash injection by The Wilkins Group has ensured it can continue its valuable work.
Run by local volunteers, the Bulwell Forest Garden grows fruit, vegetables and social connections by organising a range of community activities.
Now, the team has landed a £1,000 donation from Nottingham company The Wilkins Group, a home-grown packaging firm that works for many of the UK's leading brands and now operates on an international stage.
Justin Wilkins, joint managing director, said: “We are so proud to support this project and have been blown away by the great work the community does to promote health, wellbeing and connection.
“It is truly inspiring, and we’re genuinely impressed by the passion, dedication and hard work of the entire Bulwell Forest Garden team.”
The community garden first opened its gates in 2012 after turning a disused piece of land into what has become an oasis in the centre of Bulwell.
The garden provides not only a recreational green space for local communities to grow and cook their produce, it also acts as a social hub which in turn helps tackle a range of issues including those facing loneliness, bullying, mental health issues and SEND needs.
Barbara Bates, operational manager and Forest School practitioner, said: “The garden is a beautiful place for all the community to enjoy. We know that in the past Bulwell has been tarnished with a bad reputation.
"But there are some amazing people here doing great work in the community.
"I hope that Bulwell Forest Garden and the work that the team do here will help to counteract that narrative.”
“This is a fabulous community space that brings nature to the lives of children and adults in our local area. “
As well as growing, sharing and cooking produce from the garden, the team runs various activities including hosting music and nature groups for toddlers, an after-school forest school for ages six to 11, and an eco-group for teens aged 11-16.
Barbara said: “The garden offers something for everyone, whatever their age. Providing friendship to volunteers who may not chat to anyone for days at a time, a lunch club, children’s groups the list goes on.
"In December, we will be hosting nine local primary schools for a special festive themed event.
“We would like to thank the Wilkins Group for their generous donation and for securing the good work of our community garden for another year.”
Justin added: “We chose to support Bulwell Forest Garden because we love that this wonderful community space, right in the heart of our city, has brought the community together through gardening and wildlife conservation.
"What was a disused corner of Bulwell has been transformed into a thriving area that connects the generations and passes on essential skills.
"It even has an outdoor classroom where local people can enjoy cookery lessons."