Take It Outside
Outside is where it's at. In summer 2025 we called for people to switch the sweaty yoga studio for stretching amongst the songbirds, play chess hidden beneath the shade of a tree, learn carpentry whilst listening to bumble bees, or cook a meal in the summer sun...
The stats are clear: spending time in nature makes 8 in 10 of us feel better. Yet, across the UK, nearly 4 in 10 people (37%) spend less than an hour a week outdoors (Hubbub polling 2024).
Community gardens are an immediate, accessible fix – pockets of biodiversity in urban areas and social spaces that bring communities together. These spaces are vital, but can be hard for people to find them or know how to get involved particularly amongst young people.
That's why we wanted to shine a light on all the ways people can get involved in community green spaces, no green thumb required. Take it Outside paired a digital campaign with in-person events and activities across the UK. To make it as easy as possible for people to find the events we also created a map listing events at over 400+ community gardens across the UK.
The Difference We Made
- 3400+ people attended events at community gardens
- 94% of people surveyed said they were more likely to visit a community garden after seeing the campaign.
- 87% of community gardens involved reported that their event was attended by people who had not been to the community garden before
- 80% of groups saw an increase in interest and participation numbers as result of the Take it Outside events
Take what outside?
Looking for some inspiration? Here are our five favourite things to take outside - all of which we saw at our Take it Outside events in 2025. Why not give them go...
Makers and crafters often draw inspiration from the natural world—so why not learn a new craft in nature? We hosted outdoor zine making, t-shirt printing, embroidery, and more in community gardens!
What better than sampling the fruits of your labours, by eating some community grown vegetables! Our events hosted community BBQs, herbal tea making workshops and an outdoor pizza oven with freshly grown courgettes.
There's lots of way to take your normal workout into nature. Our events included yoga in a rooftop community garden , group dance classes and of course what better exercise is there than getting stuck in with some digging. Check out Good Gym for opportunities to combine exercise with visiting community projects.
Why not take your games night outside? Whether its cards or board games your into, its a great social way to enjoy green spaces. We hosted a chess club amongst the cabbage patches at our Nature Late event in London.
Ever wondered what a bee’s favourite flower is? Or what frogs like to eat? Perhaps you’ve wanted to learn how to charm a worm? Community gardens are great places to meet your nature neighbours and get curious about the plants and animals sharing our cities.
What's so special about community gardens?
Sure, parks are great... but community gardens are something else. Vibrant spaces where you can get involved, get your hands a little dirty (if you want to!) and feel like you’re part of something bigger. Magical.
Community gardens are free, fun and open to everyone. You don't need a green thumb or prior experience to join in. Whether you're looking to learn, relax, or simply meet new people, there's a low-pressure way to get involved.
By stepping into your local community garden, you're not just boosting your own wellbeing; you're also supporting a greener, healthier environment right on your doorstep. So whatever you do, whether it's watering some plants or cooking a community meal, you're making your local area that little bit wilder.
Curious for more?
Check out what else we’re doing to bring people closer to nature and nature closer to people.
We do more than nature.
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