Local Heroes Nurturing Bulwell Community Given Financial Boost

A local voluntary group that has planted the seeds of success for dozens of Bulwell residents has received a donation from a local packaging firm, which has secured its immediate future.

Bulwell Forest Garden is a community garden in the heart of the town, but hit hard times last year when its funding was pulled and many feared that the project would need to close.

This week a cash injection by The Wilkins Group has ensured it can continue its valuable work.

Run by local volunteers, the Bulwell Forest Garden grows fruit, vegetables and social connections by organising a range of community activities.

Now, the team has landed a £1,000 donation from The Wilkins Group, a home-grown packaging firm that works for many of the UK's leading brands and now operates on an international stage.

Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, said:

“We are so proud to support this project and have been blown away by the great work the community does to promote health, wellbeing and connection."

"It is truly inspiring, and we’re genuinely impressed by the passion, dedication and hard work of the entire Bulwell Forest Garden team.”

The community garden first opened its gates in 2012 after turning a disused piece of land into what has become an oasis in the centre of Bulwell. The garden provides not only a recreational green space for local communities to grow and cook their produce, it also acts as a social hub which in turn helps tackle a range of issues including those facing loneliness, bullying, mental health issues and SEND needs.

Barbara Bates, operational manager and Forest School practitioner, said:

“The garden is a beautiful place for all the community to enjoy. We know that in the past Bulwell has been tarnished with a bad reputation. But there are some amazing people here doing great work in the community. I hope that Bulwell Forest Garden and the work that the team do here will help to counteract that narrative.”

“This is a fabulous community space that brings nature to the lives of children and adults in our local area. “

As well as growing, sharing and cooking produce from the garden, the team runs various activities including hosting music and nature groups for toddlers, an after-school forest school for ages 6-11, and an eco-group for teens ages 11-16.

Barbara said:

“The garden offers something for everyone, whatever their age. Providing friendship to volunteers who may not chat to anyone for days at a time, a lunch club, children’s groups... the list goes on. In December, we will be hosting nine local primary schools for a special festive themed event."

“We would like to thank the Wilkins Group for their generous donation and for securing the good work of our community garden for another year.”

The inspiring work of the team of volunteers is reliant on funding from outside sources. Hit by Nottingham City Council cuts, the project nearly came to an end last year. However, it managed to survive and, thanks to The Wilkins Group's donation, has now secured another year for the project.

The donation forms part of The Wilkins Group’s ‘12 Months of Giving’ campaign, which sees the Colwick-headquartered company donate £1,000 each month to a different Nottinghamshire charity or community organisation throughout 2025.

Justin Wilkins added:

“We chose to support Bulwell Forest Garden because we love that this wonderful community space, right in the heart of our city, has brought the community together through gardening and wildlife conservation. What was a disused corner of Bulwell has been transformed into a thriving area that connects the generations and passes on essential skills. It even has an outdoor classroom where local people can enjoy cookery lessons."

“We know times are hard for so many people and organisations across the country at the moment. Our 12 months of giving campaign has shone a light on so many amazing people, projects and the great work they do. It has been a privilege to get a glimpse of this work.”

The family-owned firm has already donated thousands of pounds this year to good causes across the city and county, including Green’s Windmill Trust in Sneinton, Papplewick Pumping Station, Hedgepigs in Beeston, Walesby Forest, Nottinghamshire Beekeepers Association, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Gedling Conservation Trust, Canalside Heritage Centre, Eco Works and Stonebridge City Farm.

The Wilkins Group produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka Pies, Pizza Express, Harrods, and Cadbury.

It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles. The company also won at this year's Business of the Year Awards for the East Midlands.

For more information on The Wilkins Group, visit here.

Photo: The team at the Wilkins Group handing the cheque to Barbara Bates, operational manager and Forest School practitioner (centre).