Wickes has spotlighted its commitment to supporting UK community allotments in honour of National Allotment Week, which runs from 11 to 17 August.

The DIY giant’s community programme has helped to support various gardening projects over the past year, from revitalising neglected plots to donating goods that help residents to grow their own produce.  

The programme has supported more than 400 UK allotment groups since its launch in 2022.

Projects range from traditional community allotments that support a variety of local groups and charities, to smaller school-based plots helping children learn how to grow vegetables and other produce.

Examples include Langold School Allotment (image above) in Worksop, which has continued to grow due to support from the Wickes community programme, according to the retailer, with donations over the past two years helping to transform the space.

Wickes donations have also supported youth-led project The Hideout Allotment Club in Colchester, with its contributions of a storage container and table enabling members to expand their activities.

Additionally, the 1st Great Parndon Cub Pack in Harlow launched a vegetable-growing project using planters built from recycled pallets and compost donated by Wickes.

The Advocacy for All Allotment group in Bexleyheath also created an inclusive gardening and wellbeing space for members with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum conditions, with the help of planters built from recycled wood, which were donated by Wickes.

Wickes community engagement manager Hannah Randle Hockin said: “National Allotment Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the power of outdoor spaces and the communities that care for them. 

“Through our community programme, we’re proud to support allotments of all shapes and sizes, from school gardens to volunteer-led plots, providing the tools, materials and encouragement they need to flourish. 

“These case studies show how even a small contribution can have a big impact, helping people of all ages grow their own produce, learn new skills and enjoy the many benefits of gardening.”

In July, Wickes teamed up with Letchworth Garden Shed to launch Pick ‘n’ Wickes, a trial initiative aimed at helping consumers cut costs and reduce waste.

While earlier this month, the business named students from a Buckinghamshire school as this year’s winners of its national education competition.

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