Grants to grow local gardening

A school garden inspired by Shakespeare and a woodland to commemorate heroes of the First World War are just two of the projects being supported this year by the North of England Horticultural Society Grants Programme.

The leading horticultural charity has announced funding of up to £1,500 in three categories - Improving our Landscape, Grow and Learn and a new educational programme aimed at helping people launch a career in gardening. Among five South Yorkshire projects to receive grants are plans for a series of five themed gardens at St Peter’s C of E Primary School in Tankersley, new planters to brighten up the centre of Goldthorpe, a community garden being developed in Sharrow by Grow Sheffield, and landscape improvements at the Phoenix & Parkgate Angling Club in Brinsworth.

A further seven individual applicants from across the region have received grants as part of A Greener Future: The Dr Bruce Rigby Programme. Launched this year in memory of a former NEHS Council member, the new fund aims to help people who want to launch a career in horticulture.

The North of England Horticultural Society is funded by profits from the twice-yearly Harrogate Flower Shows and already supports over 50 other garden-related organisations and specialist societies as part of its mission to promote horticulture across the North.

Show director Nick Smith said: “The number of gardening groups continues to grow across the region and we are delighted to be able to provide vital support and encouragement.”