Dobbies Garden Centre in Shepton Mallet is calling on local charities, schools and community groups to apply for help with restoring or creating green spaces as part of its nationwide Community Gardens initiative.

The scheme, which forms part of Dobbies' wider commitment to community support, offers successful applicants the chance to receive plants, tools and gardening materials as well as volunteer support from store staff to bring their green projects to life.

Whether it's transforming an unused patch of land, expanding a fruit and veg plot, or building a sensory garden, the initiative is designed to help local groups improve access to green space and promote community wellbeing through gardening.

Nick Anderson, operations director at Dobbies, said: "There are so many fantastic local groups near our stores and Dobbies Community Gardens gives us the opportunity to give something back.

"We want to hear from all types of groups, whether it's a school looking to build a sensory garden, a charity trying to expand their fruit and vegetable growing project or a community group looking to rejuvenate an unused space.

"Our store colleagues are looking forward to hearing from local groups who would benefit from their support this year."

Last year, Dobbies supported over 350 community groups through the scheme.

Applications are open now and close on 31 March 2025. Groups can apply by completing a short form on the Dobbies website, outlining how they would use the support to improve their green space.

Shortlisted groups will be invited to a free Grow How session at Dobbies Shepton Mallet on Saturday 3 May at 10.30am, where winners will be announced and introduced to the team that will support their project.

To apply or find out more, visit www.dobbies.com.