Daisy Inclusive UK is giving its sensory garden a major boost thanks to the Grow Wild Community Programme in association with Kew Royal Botanic Gardens.
The Liverpool-based disability charity spearheaded by CEO Dave Kelly, who went blind aged 30, is one of a series of organisations to have been awarded funding ahead of more than 250 applicants.
The Grow Wild Community Programme supports groups across the country to transform urban spaces for the benefit of people and wildlife by championing UK native plants and fungi.
“We are so excited and hugely grateful to Grow Wild,” said Daisy Inclusive UK CEO Dave Kelly.
“Our beneficiaries love spending time at the nearby allotment each week, so it will be great to have a garden to be proud of closer to home at our Everton-based centre, which will be suitable for people of all needs.”
The funding comes as RHS Chelsea Flower show gets underway, with BBC Radio 2’s Dog Garden, created by Monty Don getting top billing.
Community green spaces are hugely important for providing vital habitats for wildlife, as well as fostering resilient communities, healthier neighbourhoods, social connectedness, wellbeing, creativity, and more.
This year’s groups will join a growing network of amazing Community Programme participant groups, making a real difference in their communities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Established in 2013, Grow Wild was set up to champion nature and support communities across the UK. Grow Wild’s aim is simple: to inspire people to take action to support nature and reap the benefits of connecting with the natural world, from creating diverse and thriving habitats, fostering resilient communities, creating social connections and supporting wellbeing and creativity.
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific and horticultural institution and conservation charity, whose mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth. It is internationally respected for its outstanding collections, horticultural and scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the globe. Kew Gardens, with its 132 hectares of historic, landscaped gardens, is also a major attraction for international and London visitors alike. Dating back to 1759, the site has a rich history and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003.
Combined visitor numbers with Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, total over 2.5 million per year. Wakehurst is home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world and a safeguard against the disastrous effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. RBG Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from the UK Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils, with the remaining two thirds coming from supporters, sponsors, memberships and commercial activity including ticket sales. This enables RBG Kew to carry out its vital scientific and educational work. For tickets and membership options, please visit our website. Since implementing a new accessibility scheme for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed over 88,000 visitors with £1 tickets across both UK sites.
About Grow Wild
Grow Wild is the national outreach learning initiative of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Kew is a world leader in science and education. Its vision is a world where plants and fungi are understood, valued and conserved – because all our lives depend on them. Grow Wild is integral to Kew’s strategic priorities as it engages new audiences outside of Kew’s two botanic gardens. We’re part of Kew’s Learning and Participation team. This team engages audiences with Kew’s science collections and horticulture through formal and informal learning programmes and community engagement.
Grow Wild is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and through private donors and corporate sponsors. We deliver scale, impact and profile for businesses and charitable funders. We’re also supported by our lively partnership network. This includes charities, youth groups, local authorities, education groups, health providers, social housing landlords, businesses, and central government, plus the UK’s social change broadcaster, Together TV.
