RHS Space to Grow

Society is facing a complex set of challenges, from climate change, health and wellbeing and biodiversity

The variety of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) in a particular environment. Boosting the biodiversity of your garden has many benefits, including supporting wildlife, improving soil health and reducing the likelihood of pest and disease problems.

loss to food insecurity, loneliness and economic instability. Powerful solutions to many of these challenges lie in community gardening.

Drawing on the findings from the National Community Gardening Survey, launched in January 2025, which involved more than 2,000 community gardening groups, Space to Grow reveals an estimated 2.5 million people have gardened in their communities in the past three years and 14.7 million more would like to join in.

The report, aimed at government and organisations working in the community gardening space, offers clear, practical recommendations to help community gardening thrive and overcome the hurdles it faces. It demonstrates how a well-supported community gardening movement can improve health and wellbeing, unify communities, help grow nutritious and healthy food, support nature and biodiversity and reduce isolation, loneliness and division.

Access the report

Discover the data, stories and evidence shaping the future of community gardening.

• RHS Space to Grow Report

The scale of community gardening in the UK

Community gardening in the UK has grown and evolved over time, with initiatives such as Britain in Bloom playing a significant role in its development. Community gardening groups come in many shapes and sizes, such as allotments, health centre gardens, school gardens and even shared containers on streets and shared spaces in housing developments. Of those surveyed, 76%are located in urban areas, while the remaining 24% in rural settings.

According to Space to Grow, the top motivation for community gardening groups is bringing the community together – in 85% of cases. This is followed by benefitting participants’ physical and mental wellbeing, encouraging enjoyment of gardening, improving biodiversity and wildlife habitats and creating cleaner, greener or more attractive surroundings. By contrast, gaining recognition is important for only 16% community gardens.

What are community gardens growing?

• 69% are growing flowers
• 61% vegetables
• 35% fruit trees
• 35% herbs
• 35% fruit
• 33% other trees

Why community gardening matters

Whether it’s a youth club growing flowers for a care home or neighbours turning a lawn into a kitchen garden, community gardens are helping us tackle some of the biggest issues of our time, particularly in policy areas that have long been priorities for government: improving people’s health and wellbeing, fostering place-based community cohesion, increasing access to nature and delivering on environmental targets. The body of research pointing to the benefits and impacts of community gardening continues to grow.

Tackling isolation

• Half of Britons say they feel disconnected from society
• 88% of 18-24 year olds experience loneliness
• Over half of community gardening groups say they aim to address social isolation

Connecting people with nature

• 1% more grassland in deprived neighbourhoods is linked to a 37% reduction in deaths
• 12% of British households have no garden at home
• Black people in England are nearly four times more likely than white people to lack private outdoor space

Tackling the nature crisis

• Community gardens are among the most biodiverse urban habitats
• Government is ‘largely off track’ on achieving 7 goals in the Environment Improvement Plan
• Community gardens offer wildlife corridors and mitigate climate issues

Building stronger communities

• More good quality green space in cities is linked to lower crime rates
• Well-maintained green spaces make communities safer
• Community gardens provide empowering spaces for disadvantaged communities

Community gardening

Gardening for health and wellbeing

The challenges facing community gardening

Although community gardening is growing – with nearly half of groups reporting an increase in volunteer numbers over the past year – 56% of community gardening groups said they are worried about their survival. Community gardening groups need support to remain sustainable in challenging times, from better funding and infrastructure to stronger networks and advocacy, with larger groups that have invested in paid staff and social impact feeling the most under pressure. Of those community gardening groups offering Green Social Prescribing or therapeutic horticulture – 30% of the total – 69% are worried about their survival.

Funding

• Almost a third operate on less than £500 per year
• 24% don’t know where to find funding opportunities
• Funders offer start up grants rather than ongoing funding

Volunteer capacity

• 74% have no paid staff
• Lack of specific skills (leadership, administration, social media)
• Ageing volunteer base and difficulty attracting younger generations

Infrastructure

• 32% don’t have access to a water supply
• Anti-social behaviour and security impacts volunteers
• Lack of basic facilities (secure storage, accessible toilets, covered spaces)

Access to land

• Just 3% of community gardens own their own sites
• Bureaucracy and landlord relationships hinder growth
• Minority ethnic-led groups experience inequality

Green Social Prescribing at RHS Garden Bridgewater

A lifelong adventure with gardening: RHS Strategy to 2030

Join the movement

Keeping active and engaged in the garden improves overall physical wellbeing

The recommendations set out in Space to Grow highlight what’s needed to help community gardening groups thrive, but action doesn’t stop with policy and funding. There are practical ways for individuals and communities to get involved and support the community gardening movement directly. You can play a part by:

Find out more about how to get involved

• Volunteering your time or skills: groups often need help with events, administration or communications, as well as growing
• Support a local project: donations of tools or materials are often needed. Attending open days or sharing their work on social media helps to boost visibility and momentum
• Champion growing in your community: consider how outdoor space can be used for gardening at sites like schools, housing associations or healthcare providers. Community gardens are natural additions to these settings, helping to support wellbeing, learning and connection
• Connect with others: join local networks, attend workshops or reach out to groups to share your ideas, experiences and feedback.

Access the report

Discover the data, stories and evidence shaping the future of community gardening.

• RHS Space to Grow Report