Wakehurst marks 100 groups in its Community Access Scheme and plans Community Festival

Wakehurst says 100 groups have joined its Community Access Scheme and it will host a free Community Festival on 8 and 9 May, with events and accessible facilities at the gardens in Sussex.

Wakehurst is marking 100 groups joining its Community Access Scheme and is preparing a free Community Festival on 8 and 9 May. The scheme gives members free year-round entry to the gardens and priority access to community events and workshops. Wakehurst's wider Community and Access Programme delivers off-site sessions, work experience and accessibility-focused events. In 2025 the combination of on- and off-site sessions supported 4,723 individuals. Key facts: - 100 groups have joined the Community Access Scheme. - The Community Festival runs on 8 and 9 May, 10.30am–4pm, at Wakehurst in Sussex. - CAS members receive free year-round garden entry and priority access to community events and workshops. - Wakehurst reports 4,723 people supported by on- and off-site sessions in 2025, and works with partners to provide work experience and accessible programming. - The festival will include a new Changing Places Toilet, food stalls from Migrateful, a puppet show by Bloomin' Arts, and workshops such as poetry, botanical printing and bio-yarn weaving. - Wakehurst's Nature Unlocked programme supports research and citizen science projects like Trees for Bees, and Discovery and Access activities include dementia-friendly walks, Sow and Grow and inclusive wellbeing sessions. Summary: The 100-group milestone highlights the reach of Wakehurst's community and access work and underlines ongoing efforts to make the gardens more accessible. The immediate next event is the free Community Festival on 8 and 9 May, and Wakehurst plans a year of events, tours and workshops through 2026 to connect more people with nature.