Local housebuilder donates to Scotswood Gardens for The Great Big Green Week

Barratt Homes, which has its Meadow Hill development in Throckley, is giving back to the community in which it builds by celebrating the work of Scotswood Natural Community Gardens. Established in 1995, the garden plays home to all sorts of wildlife, including some of the oldest forest gardens in the country. Welcoming visitors from all walks of life, the charity also regularly hosts activities for the community, including youth groups and adult programmes.

The £1,000 donation, which comes in line with The Great Big Green Week - a week of community action to protect nature - will go towards the garden’s Adult Wellbeing Programmes of Work. This includes its Growing Together project, designed to improve mental and physical health through volunteer-led gardening activities, The Elderberries group for adults aged 55+ to socialise and enjoy nature, and Gardening For Dementia which involves free, therapeutic sessions for people living with dementia and their carers.

Natalie Donnelly, Sales Manager at Barratt Homes’ Meadow Hill development, commented: “We’re so pleased to be celebrating the fantastic work of Scotwood Gardens in line with The Great Big Green Week. They support the community through such a range of initiatives and make a real difference to so many people’s lives in the area, including through its Adult Programmes. Whether it’s supporting those who are looking to gain work experience, or maybe those who wish to enjoy some socialising in nature, we’re very happy that our donation has made a difference to their incredible efforts in the area.”

Karen Dobson, CEO at Scotswood Gardens charity, commented: “We’re very grateful to the team at Barratt Homes’ Meadow Hill development for their generous donation. The funds will be put towards our Adult Wellbeing Programmes, including the Growing Together Project, The Elderberries for those aged 55+, and Gardening for Dementia. We are tremendously proud of the programmes that we have built, and we look forward to using the funds to a good cause, and continue to make a difference!”

Barratt Homes’ Meadow Hill development is surrounded by nature, making the donation to Scotswood Gardens a natural fit. Designed to help nature thrive, over 180 trees have recently been planted, alongside 3,600 new saplings and hedgerows, to provide new habitats for birds and foraging areas for animals.

Residents can experience the development’s own nature trails via the 4,155m of public footpaths connected to the site, alongside 19 acres of open space to be enjoyed.

What’s more, residents on site are encouraged to grow their own produce, thanks to the 35 community allotments sitting right on their doorsteps.

For more information on Barratt Homes’ Meadow Hill development, please visit: https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/dev-001084-meadow-hill

For more information on Scotwood Garden’ adult activities, please visit https://scotswoodgarden.org.uk/projects