Cambridge University Botanic Garden recognises the importance of community-based organisations and the support that they provide people who may face barriers to accessing the Botanic Garden. Whether this is for mental or physical well-being or simply a place to experience something different to the norm, the Garden is reaching out to and welcoming as many people as possible.
If you are interested in coming to the Garden and have a CB postcode, please join our Community Membership Scheme. This free scheme aims to support community organisations by providing them with the opportunity to bring their service users to enjoy the surroundings of the Botanic Garden throughout the year.
We welcome groups from outside of the CB area too. Please book your visit using our online form here or email our Community Learning Coordinator.
Introducing some of our community visitors
The Botanic Garden has welcomed a variety of community groups who support people to explore and learn in the Botanic Garden. These include:
St Paul’s Thursday Lunch Club gives members of the local community a space to discuss families, health and life’s trials and tribulations as well as a two course lunch. Once a month, members enjoy social outings exploring the Botanic Garden through the changing seasons.
Cam Sight supports local people with low vision and blindness. Participants are welcomed to the Garden for regular sensory walks with their guides.
Stepping Stones Project supports adults with learning difficulties to increase their students’ knowledge and encouraging them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives within their community. They visited us for a hands-on workshop learning about carnivorous plants before taking time to explore the Garden between rain showers.
“Our visit yesterday was brilliant! Thanks so much for making everyone feel so engaged and excited about the amazing world of carnivorous plants!”
Waterbeach Brownies had an after hours adventure learning about the Garden’s nocturnal inhabitants with a guided bat walk.
A local Rainbows unit visited us with their 5-7 year old members for a weekend outing to create animal collages from fallen leaves, twigs and petals collected from around the Garden.
Wellbeing Walks are a Cambridge City Council initiative for people who are attending the exercise referral service because they have a long term medical condition or injury and for Invigorate Members who have ill mental health. They visit us regularly for guided walks.
ChYpPS is a local service providing free open-access play opportunities for children, young people and their families. They joined us in the summer to explore the seasonal family trail and create summer crowns.
For any queries, please contact our Community Learning Coordinator who will be happy to discuss your group’s requirements.
