The Natural Gardeners Club is a BPOC-led community group in Waltham Forest. The Small Grant supported the foundations for a new shed and the expansion of the group’s community growing space, with a focus on helping BIPOC residents connect with nature. The project delivered a series of hands-on workshops introducing people of all ages and backgrounds to gardening, often for the first time.

Participants learned composting, mulching, planting spring bulbs and winter vegetables, and companion planting to protect organic strawberry plants. Workshops also covered designing a community garden. Many attendees arrived unsure but became fully engaged, leaving with feedback such as, “This is the first time we’ve ever planted a flower,” and, “When can we come back?”

Grant funds were also used to purchase multipurpose tools, plants, and enviromesh, which served as hands-on learning materials. The goal was to equip everyone with the confidence to grow and engage with nature. A notable outcome was that several participants later returned to help facilitate workshops for new members.