Blog 1 April 2025

Celebrating Community Garden Week at The Forward Trust

By Adejoke Idowu – Environmental and Sustainability Manager

As the first week of April marks Community Garden Week (April 1st – April 7th), I am excited to celebrate the power of gardening in transforming lives, fostering well-being, and strengthening our connection to nature. This annual event shines a spotlight on community gardens and their role in bringing people together to cultivate not just plants, but also a sense of purpose, peace, and sustainability.

Seed to Table: A Blooming Initiative at Clouds House

At Clouds House, our Seed to Table initiative continues to flourish, offering both clients and staff an opportunity to engage in a therapeutic gardening experience. From planting seeds to harvesting fresh produce, this initiative provides a meaningful way for individuals to reconnect with nature, develop new skills, and experience the satisfaction of growing their own food. The fruits (and vegetables) of their labour go directly into our kitchen, providing nutritious, homegrown meals that nourish both body and mind and an added bonus is these food can be traced from origin to end and back which also helps us in having a sense of what it takes to responsibly sourcing our food at Clouds.

But the cycle doesn’t stop there! In our commitment to sustainability, food waste from Clouds House is carefully recycled into compost, enriching the very soil that nurtures our next harvest. This closed-loop system is a wonderful example of how we can work in harmony with the environment, reducing waste while promoting self-sufficiency and eco-conscious living.

Introducing a Herb Garden at The Bridges – Hull

Building on this success, we are thrilled to announce plans to introduce a small herb garden at The Bridges – Hull. This green space will serve as a sanctuary where clients and staff can relax, unwind, and take part in nurturing the plants they grow. The simple act of tending to herbs – whether watering, pruning, or simply enjoying their fragrance – offers a calming and restorative experience that can support mental well-being and personal growth.

Garden beds at Clouds House (to be implemented at The Bridges – Hull)

The Benefits of Gardening: Mind, Body & Planet

Mental Health Boost: Gardening has been widely recognised for its ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The rhythmic nature of planting and tending to plants encourages mindfulness, grounding individuals in the present moment and fostering a sense of accomplishment.

Physical Health Benefits: Getting hands-on in the garden provides a gentle form of exercise, improving strength, flexibility, and overall wellbeing.

Environmental Impact: Community gardens contribute to a greener planet by reducing carbon footprints, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable food production which are all part of our commitment as an organisation to be more impactful in our environment. Our composting efforts at Clouds House further reinforce our commitment to a circular economy, where waste is transformed into valuable resources for future growth.

Get Involved & Grow With Us!

As we celebrate Community Garden Week, we invite everyone at The Forward Trust to get involved, share gardening tips, share pictures, and embrace the joy of growing something from the ground up. Whether it’s at Clouds House, The Bridges – Hull, or even in your own backyard, gardening is a powerful way to cultivate connection, resilience, and sustainability.

Let’s dig in, nurture nature, and watch our community grow – together!