Social & Therapeutic Horticulture
We believe in the simple but powerful idea that people (like flowers) flourish when given the right environment to grow.
Branch Out MK CIC is a not for profit social enterprise based in North Milton Keynes (near Wolverton), established in 2012. We deliver social and therapeutic horticulture sessions for adults with learning disabilities and neurodiversity across 14 allotment plots.
We provide structured, gardening based activities Monday - Fridays from 10am until 3pm, during 12 months of the year. Our sessions are individualised, adaptable and made accessible to most service users. The 'work' we provide is designed to develop skills, independence, and confidence whilst participating in a wide variety of jobs throughout the year including seed sowing, watering, weeding, digging, pruning, cutting flowers, wood work and much more. Our work is grounded in the principle that engagement with green spaces and meaningful activity in nature improves mental health, reduces isolation, and supports personal development. We also have a hut for all important tea breaks, compost toilets and some spaces to work in our shop.
Get in touch with us to arrange an informal visit to the allotments to meet the team. We also offer a taster session for those interested in joining us.
What to expect in the garden...
The Hut
We have a purpose built hut onsite which provides somewhere to hide from the elements so we can stay open 12 months a year. We have gas heaters, solar power and a stove to make tea. During extreme weather we have some indoor garden related activities but we try to get out in the garden as often as possible!
Social Tea Breaks
Tea/coffee break is a fundamental part of the gardening day. We gather at the hut mid morning and at the end of the day for refreshments, a rest and to socialise. Its a great time to get to know each other, chat about life and discuss work.
The Flower Beds
We have fitted raised beds across most of our site. We have a perennial area, annual beds, shrubs, roses, compost bays, 3 poly tunnels, a potting shed and a fruit plot (under development).
Compost loos
As a sustainable offgrid site, everything we do is with the environment in mind. We currently have 2 composting toilets onsite. We are currently fund raising to make our composting toilets even better and more accessible.
Support Us
There are many ways you can support our local, independant project:
Purchasing our flowers keeps our small business running and thriving whilst giving our team real purpose in their work.
Volunteering in our gardens helps to get the work done and builds an even stronger local community.
Donations are gratefully received and ensure we can continue to improve and develop a nurturing environment for local people to blossom and improve their well-being.
We also host corporate volunteer days and welcome corportate partnerships. Support/ funding towards ongoing projects onsite help us to continue offering this important work.
