Green Community Hubs: Spaces where communities take root

By Sarah Bailey, Green Community Hubs Development Manager

“We grow people, I think.”

These words from long-term volunteer and now Groundwork employee, Nigel, capture the nature of Groundwork’s Green Community Hubs. Lasting change in local communities begins with people like Nigel working alongside others to address local issues and build spaces for communities. Groundwork’s role is to bring professional skills to bear, helping local people to get their ideas off the ground and build the partnerships and trust needed to sustain this activity and make sure it drives long-term change. Green Community Hubs are a vehicle to make change happen – and to make it last - in the neighbourhoods that need it most.

Green Community Hubs are multi-functional outdoor spaces that bring people together, strengthen connection with nature and provide practical support to local communities. They operate as outdoor community centres, offering a welcoming place where people can socialise, access support or contribute to their own community through volunteering. Local people and partners are involved in the decision making process within hubs, sometimes leading to voluntary leadership or employment. Each Green Community Hub evolves according to the needs of its neighbourhood.

The Grange is a Green Community Hub at the heart of a large housing estate in Blackpool. It was established in partnership with the Local Authority in 2017. The site offers a range of nature and community-based activities, and food grown on site is used in the community café. The centre also includes a library, theatre and a pharmacy. Angela Nagorski, the site horticulturalist, reflects on how she has seen people’s confidence and social connection grow over the years:

“A lot of people come to us with limited skills and confidence. We support people to build their skills by learning from each other. This also develops deep friendships that last a long time.”

Over in Wales, Caffi Cyfle in Buckley is a Green Community Hub on a small high-street, comprising a café, community learning venue and repair shop alongside its growing activities and an outdoor kitchen. It has hosted a clothing swap shop, family learning activities, ‘cooking on a budget’ workshops and upcycling sessions, to name but a few. Karen Balmer, Chief Executive for Groundwork North Wales, has seen first-hand the power of people growing food, cooking and eating together:

“At Caffi Cyfle, we see every day how food brings people together. Whether it’s growing vegetables, sharing skills in the outdoor kitchen, or simply sitting down for a meal, these activities help build connections, reduce isolation and create a stronger sense of community. When people grow, cook and eat together, they’re not just nourishing themselves – they’re strengthening the fabric of the community around them.”

And at another site in Coventry, Jyan Dutton, Groundwork’s Community and Environment Project Officer, reflects on how the community has come together at the new Green Community Hub in Willenhall. Within one year, the site has supported two community centres, more than 750 community members, three schools, two colleges, and led to three further community gardens taking root in the local area.

“Green Community Hubs act as an accessible stepping stone for people to access different activities, learn new skills, meet new people, and connect with nature and food growing.”

In 2026, the UK is looking for solutions to multiple challenges impacting on communities, including inequality, social division, community infrastructure and climate change. A Green Community Hub offers a hands-on and optimistic way of people coming together to tackle these issues on their doorstep.

Hubs can nurture community engagement, environmental action and social support – helping people benefit from the restorative effects of being in nature, putting healthy affordable food on the table or providing an accessible setting for the delivery of other services from educational enrichment to advice on energy bills.

At a time when demand for community support continues to grow and resources remain under pressure, Green Community Hubs provide a hopeful but grounded model for sustainable support — rooted in local knowledge, shared ownership and the belief that all communities can thrive if offered the right partnership.

Every penny given to our Green Community Hubs goes to ensure people are given the opportunity to grow a future they deserve and live happier, healthier lives. Can you support?

Groundwork is committed to developing more hubs in partnership. If you work for an organisation that would like to develop a hub in your area, please contact Sarah Bailey via email

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