In 2001, Arkwright Meadows Community Gardens was created by local Meadows residents coming together to transform a rubbish-strewn wasteland into a green space for the local people. Over 6000 people now visit annually for education, training or recreation. More than 50 regular volunteers help cultivate the Gardens and deliver its activities. People come to the Gardens every day to buy low-cost organic food and enjoy the green space. We also host regular health activities and community events.

Local people, young and old, benefit from the opportunities for physical exercise and to learn about growing food, healthy eating and the environment. There is a huge sense of pride and involvement in each new addition to the garden e.g. the beehives, the apple press and the Tandoor Oven.

Arkwright Meadows Community Gardens was judged to be 'a truly inspirational project, which is inclusive to the entire community and offers a surprisingly peaceful haven so close to the City Centre. The ethos of the group to ensure the project is productive, educational and fun is clear and they should be rightfully proud...'(East Midlands in Bloom). In 2014 our charity won The Queens Award for Voluntary Service.