Community Work
Rooted in Community
Birmingham Botanical Gardens have always been part of the social, cultural and horticultural life of Birmingham.
Today, we’re actively connecting with our diverse local communities to share the Gardens, think about them in new ways, and work towards being as accessible and inclusive as possible.
Our Engagement and Learning team collaborate with many local and regional partners, including neighbourhood community support organisations, environmental groups, universities, colleges and frontline charities to explore how we can add value to their work.
By sharing our green space, unique living collection, and rich heritage, we are developing exciting engagement programmes. These include:
- Citizen science workshops with families
- Developing a community garden with autistic students
- Tree surveys with volunteers
- Creative writing with refugees
- Drama with university students
- A teddy bears’ picnic with families
- Wellbeing walks for those with dementia and their carers
- A residency with a youth art club
These activities support health and wellbeing, social connection and placemaking.
We are committed to offering a warm welcome to our communities and continuing to work collaboratively to develop memorable experiences.
Our Engagement programme is generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
‘It was a sheer delight for me to bring these carers – who often have a very stressful life – to a place so serene and tranquil, offering a beautiful, calming environment to relax in and enjoy time away from their caring duty.’ – Carers’ group leader
‘It’s amazing here, I’ve never been anywhere like this, with trees and art, it’s nothing like where I come from… It’s been a really intense time, but I find it relaxing and peaceful here.’ – Young workshop participant
‘The group members living with Dementia are cognitively stimulated throughout the session and both them and their carers are benefiting from the social interaction. Some of the group members especially enjoy the exotic plants in the hot house as it reminds them of their childhood and the country they were born to.’ – Age UK group leader
You can read our case study on how BBG has embarked on a unique partnership and journey of social prescribing, enriching the lives of around 50 carers and isolated adults, through the combined power of nature and sports.
Contact the Engagement Team
Our friendly Engagement team are here to plan and support your visit.
We offer a warm welcome, lots of information and ideas, and we’ll help you nurture your connection with the Gardens.
We know that cost can be a barrier. We are committed to supporting all community organisations to access the Gardens
Visit Us
Book Your Tickets
Day Ticket
Book your day ticket and explore one of the UK’s most significant historic Botanic Gardens.
