Avanti West Coast on track to grow gardening community in Penrith

• Avanti West Coast supports initiative to get Penrith community gardening
• Donations of surplus seeds, seedlings and plants can be made at Cumbrian station
• Gardening group hopes contributions from locals will inspire others to grow plants

Avanti West Coast is encouraging green-fingered locals to donate surplus seeds and plants as part of a community initiative to get the people of Penrith gardening.

Working with Penrith Community Gardeners – a local volunteer gardening group – the intercity operator has created a donation point at Penrith station for unwanted seeds, seedlings and plants.  

The initiative is designed to put surplus items to good use and encourage sustainable gardening, while inspiring more people to grow their own plants.

Those who wish to get involved in the initiative and donate can place their contributions in the hand cart located at the main entrance of the station.

Budding gardeners can collect the items they would like and have the option to make a small monetary donation to support the work of Penrith Community Gardeners, who tend the planters at the Cumbrian station.

So far contributions by the local community have included 250 strawberry plants, scores of seeds, and gardening magazines – raising more than £200 for volunteer gardeners to brighten up the town with blooms.

Joan Robinson of Penrith Community Gardeners said: “Gardening can bring joy to many – it can connect people and make a difference to our places and spaces. With Avanti West Coast we want to spread this joy by encouraging donations from our community. We know there will be gardeners out there with surplus seedlings and plants they’re splitting up. Even books that might help others to get started are useful. Any contributions will be welcome to get people growing their own plants.”

Natalie Balmer, Avanti West Coast Community Champion at Penrith, said: “We want to make a difference in the communities we serve, so we’re pleased to be working with Penrith Community Gardeners to provide a dedicated space at the station where people can make donations of seeds and plants to help others.

“By supporting local people to grow their own vegetables we hope it will enable them to take up gardening and become more self-sufficient. We’re delighted with the response so far and would like to thank everyone for their donations, as we help expand the green-fingered community here in Penrith.”

ENDS