Groundwork South

30/09/2026

We’re delighted to announce Seed to Plate, a three-year project supported by the Rothschild Foundation that will enhance our community food growing offer for residents across Buckinghamshire at Iver Environment Centre.

Through outreach, improved accessibility and educational activities, the project will engage underrepresented groups, schools, families and the wider community in plants, growing and healthy food.

We’ll be improving facilities at Iver Environment Centre, including refurbishing the disabled toilet, developing our food-growing teaching offer and introducing a volunteering programme in years two and three.

In partnership with six Buckinghamshire schools, we’ll also install raised beds, provide equipment and seeds, and support children and teachers to learn how to grow vegetables.

We’re excited about this strategic partnership and the positive impact it will have across our communities and would like to thank the Rothschild Foundation for their £175,000 contribution to the project.

24/09/2026

Are you keeping up with the price caps?

Price caps are changes to the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge people on default tariffs for each unit of energy and the daily standing charge.

From 1 October to 31 December 2026 energy prices will go up by 4% for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit.

You can take a look at a full breakdown here: https://loom.ly/_VdtI1I

Both gas and electricity usage will affect your bills, as unit rates have increased. You'll also receive a small benefit from VAT being removed from your electricity bill (roughly £45), so now is the time to get your energy habits under control and plan your outgoings.

23/09/2026

We're pleased to share that Garfield Weston Foundation has awarded £30,000 to support youth and play provision at The Vench Community Centre and Adventure Playground in Lockleaze, Bristol!

This funding will help us continue providing safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where children and young people can learn, play, and build confidence. Our trusted staff and volunteer team will also continue to support vital activities including youth sessions, play provisions, holiday programmes, cooking clubs, and healthy meals for local young people.

The Vench reaches hundreds of children and young people each year and plays vital role supporting families across the Lockleaze community. With the need for youth and play services continuing to grow, this investment will make a real difference in ensuring local children and young people have access to positive opportunities and support.

A huge thank you to the Garfield Weston Foundation for recognising the importance of community-centred youth and play provision and helping us continue this essential work. We're excited see the impact this funding will have over the coming year.

16/09/2026

Save the date! 📅

High Weald Celebration Weekend at The Bale House Visitor Centre 🌿

Saturday 19 September, 10am–4pm
FREE activities, walks and workshops.

11/09/2026

‼️DATA CENTRES ENDANGER COLNE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK‼️

Groundwork South is the Colne Valley Regional Park's managing agent, and together with its trustees we are pushing government to change course. We’ve made considerable progress and it is not yet too late. We just have to hope that politicians’ promises of help result in the protection of the Colne Valley before the tsunami of development proposals obliterates everything.

03/09/2026

Kinda chic to follow our page for more nature based activities and updates from Groundwork South! 🌳🍄🌿🐸

24/08/2026

Exciting news from The Vench in Bristol! We’re proud to announce that our community café and adventure playground have been featured in Avison Young’s latest article about innovative community spaces. The piece highlights how our shipping container café is at the heart of our mission to provide a safe, welcoming space for families and young people in Lockleaze.

We’re grateful to Avison Young for shining a spotlight on this partnership and the impact our project is having in the community. To learn more about the story behind The Vench and how we’re working together to create positive change, check out the full article below:

Read the article: https://loom.ly/HmSwOlY

Thank you to Avison Young for supporting this project, and to everyone involved in making The Vench a thriving community hub!

12/08/2026

Protecting our parks and green spaces during heat waves is crucial to reduce pressure on wildlife, habitats and the people who care for them.

As Groundwork South looks after several parks, we wanted to share some practical tips to help protect them during hot weather and take action for our climate.

Together, small changes can make a big difference!

06/08/2026

Our first day of Wild Week was certainly busy! 🌿

Children aged 7–11 built dens, used sunlight to create masterpieces, whittled, cut and split wood for fires, used flint and steel to make heat, and of course played some games.

Lots more planned for the rest of the week.

There’s still time to book for Wild Teens (11–14 August) if you know any young people aged 11–16 who would love being outside and exploring nature this summer.

Book here: https://loom.ly/SGgVcOM

3 days of activities for 11-16 year olds exploring our 2.5 acre site with an opportunity to spend the night on the last day!

29/07/2026

Just to check in ... Have you been out in nature this week? 🌳🦡🌼🪵

If you haven't, Groundwork South has some amazing lands and parks for you to explore!

These include:
- Hastings Nature Reserve and Country park (Hastings)
- Goblin Combe (Bristol)
- The Vench Adventure Playground (Bristol)
- Colne Valley Park (Uxbridge)
- Combe Valley Countryside park (Hastings)

If you are near one of our parks, be sure to check them out and send us pictures!