RHS Community Funds awarded

Bringing together schools and groups to tackle social isolation, inclusion and environmental issues.

17 January 2022

In late 2021, we launched the RHS Connected Communities Fund and RHS Community Environment Fund to help our growing network of schools and community groups increase social connections and tackle green issues in their local area. We were thrilled to receive more than 300 grant applications across both Funds, with 43 successfully receiving on average £3,000 to kick-start their garden or take an existing project to the next level.

We know how beneficial joining a simple growing project can be for a person’s wellbeing, or how implementing small planet-friendly gardening actions can make a big difference in the long run, and this was mirrored in the applications received for each grant. From the introduction of ‘Carbon Gardens’ to help absorb local carbon in North Lincolnshire, to moveable market stalls selling fresh produce in Farnham and the restoration of orchards in Exeter, the successful applications cover a diverse range of projects. As the projects progress, we will see the schools and community groups explore how they can use plants and gardens to boost wellbeing, increase access to the outdoors for all and improve their local environments.

“The RHS recognises the impact a passion for plants and growing can have on bringing diverse groups together, building a greener community, and tackling social issues. We can’t wait to see these incredible projects progress as they begin to make a real difference in their local communities.” Andrea Van Sittart, Head of Community Outreach Development

The successful applicants within each Fund are:


Connected Communities Fund

  • Alive Activities Ltd, Bristol
  • Brampton CofE Primary School, Beccles
  • Cavehill Primary School PTA, Belfast
  • Croft Community School, Stanley
  • Deerness Valley Nursery, New Brancepeth
  • Eastmoor Community Garden, Wakefield
  • Exmouth and District Allotment Association, Exmouth
  • Friends of Agnes Riley Gardens, Lambeth
  • Friends of Parr Fold Park, Salford
  • Globe Community Gardens, Staffordshire
  • Greenfield Special Needs School, Merthyr Tydfil
  • Greenholm Primary School, Birmingham
  • Headway Surrey, Guildford
  • Horticultural Therapy Trust, Plymouth
  • Hunton CEP Primary School, Maidstone
  • Learning Partnerships, Leeds
  • Loughborough Men & Women in Sheds, Loughborough
  • Northampton Hope Centre, Northampton
  • OsNosh, Owestry
  • Rowland Hill Nursery School, London
  • Rowledge C of E Primary School, Farnham
  • St Kentigern's Academy School, West Lothian
  • St Paul's Church, Stoke-on-Trent
  • St Paul's Youth Forum, Glasgow
  • Surrey Care Trust (The Gateway Allotment Project, Reigate), Burpham
  • The Bee Team, Kendal
  • The Friends of Spode Rose Garden, Stoke-on-Trent
  • The Sorted Project, Edinburgh
  • Tomorrow's Women Wirral, Birkenhead
  • West Marsh Allotment Association, Grimsby
  • Woodingdean Community Association, Brighton

Community Environment Fund

  • Bath Organic Group, Bath
  • Bury in Bloom - Britannia in Bloom, Bury St Edmunds
  • Chiswick House and Gardens Trust, London
  • CLEAR Buckhaven & Methil, Leven
  • Environmental Action Coney Hall (EACH), West Wickham
  • Herm Island, Guernsey
  • Llandaff North Allotment Association, Cardiff
  • North Lincs Council - Building Better Opportunities, Scunthorpe
  • Petrus Community, Rochdale
  • Pynes Community Orchard Working Group – Ide, Exeter
  • Queens Cross Housing Association, Glasgow
  • Sacred Heart Parish Garden Gorton, Manchester