We’re thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievement of Karonga Gardens, who have been awarded Level 5 ‘Outstanding’ in the 2025 It’s Your Neighbourhood – Britain in Bloom awards!
Presented by the wonderful Lord Mayor Barbara Murray, this recognition places Karonga Gardens among over 500 inspiring community groups across the UK who are making a real difference.
A special shoutout goes to Ange and the Eco Therapy Garden team, who also achieved Level 5 for the second year running – a testament to their continued dedication and impact.
Located in Fazakerley, Karonga Gardens is a vibrant green space that promotes wellbeing through gardening, community events, and fresh produce, available at the Fazakerley Federation.
Over the past year, the team has:
- Logged 1,100+ volunteer hours
- Welcomed 630+ adults and 660+ children
- Hosted events including willow weaving, bee workshops, forest school fun, and mental health support groups
Karonga Gardens has successfully secured funding for several projects throughout 2024/25:
- £2,860 from Cobalt’s Community Fund (early 2024) to provide an undercover shelter.
- £1,760 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (July 2024) for willow structures and planters.
- Additional small contributions at Christmas, which this year will fund a festive lunch for volunteers.
While Karonga Gardens does not receive other direct funding from Cobalt, they host free weekly forest school sessions delivered by an external organisation. Social value for these sessions is combined with Norris Green Forest School.
The team, led by Dawn McShane and her volunteers, works tirelessly to maintain the gardens on Cobalt land. Their efforts enhance the local greenspace and biodiversity, as well as providing a welcoming space for the community. This helps to reduce antisocial behaviour compared to if the land were overgrown.
Throughout the year, the gardens host various activities such as hanging basket making and horticulture sessions. Any produce grown is shared within the community.
“Since coming to the gardens, it has helped me in many ways, with my mental health, socialising with new people and making new friends. I’ve learned a lot more about planting and maintaining flowers and vegetables, what to plant and what time of year they need planting, plus recycling to make compost,” said one Karonga Gardens volunteer.
Karonga Gardens brings people together to grow and thrive, and thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers and supporters, Fazakerley’s community spirit is blooming.
