Author Archives: Lauren St Hilaire
We’re delighted to share some wonderful news.The Alnwick Garden Trust has been championed by our wonderful Corporate Partner, Lycetts and selected as one of 18 charities across the UK and Ireland to receive Partnership Funding from the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.
This generous support comes from a £400,000 funding pot designed to help charities that are driving change in their communities. The programme champions organisations working in education and skills, heritage, arts and culture, and environmental sustainability, causes that sit right at the heart of what we do here at The Alnwick Garden. The Movement for Good Awards Partnership Funding provides charities with flexible funding that can be used over three years for both capital and operational costs, helping organisations grow, innovate, and deliver meaningful impact. After an initial expression of interest stage, 50 charities were invited to submit full applications. The final recipients were chosen based on impact and effectiveness, sustainability, innovation, and care and compassion. We are delighted that The Alnwick Garden was among those selected to receive this incredible support.
This incredible donation will help The Alnwick Garden Trust continue our mission to use nature, and community to inspire and connect people of all ages. Specifically, the funding will support the Roots and Shoots programmes, initiatives that help people develop skills, confidence, to age well and feel a sense of purpose through horticulture and environmental learning.
Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said:
“Benefact Group is owned by a charity, and giving back is at the heart of everything we do, all our available profits go to good causes. Our mission is simple: the more we grow, the more we can give. We understand the importance of longer-term funding for charities, especially when trying to bring ambitious new ideas to life and get larger transformative projects off the ground, so we are delighted to be able to announce another series of transformational grants through our Partnership Funding. Through these partnership grants, we are actively championing innovation, giving charities the backing they need to propel their plans forward and turn creative ideas into practical solutions that benefit society. I can’t wait to see how these projects develop.”
Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group, a family of specialist financial services businesses that has donated over £200 million to charitable causes so far. We’re proud to be part of this year’s group of funded charities, and we’re excited to continue our journey of making The Alnwick Garden a place where people, nature, and community can flourish together.
Our community gardening programme which creates opportunities for young people with additional needs is embarking on its most ambitious project yet, thanks to a new collaboration with national partnership housing specialist Lovell.
The Alnwick Garden’s Young Gardeners have been given the chance to design and create their first commercial garden, which will be at the show home of the new Edward’s Birch development being built by Lovell in Morpeth.
The garden will be viewed by prospective buyers visiting the development and has been designed to champion sustainability. It will feature rainwater harvesting, wildlife-friendly ponds, and a vegetable patch, elements chosen to inspire people to recreate these nature-positive ideas in their own gardens.
The Young Gardeners programme was established over 15 years ago and educates young people on growing and caring for their own plants as well as helping them form strong friendships.
Lisa Winter, Wellbeing Programme Officer at The Alnwick Garden, said: “Our Young Gardeners programme is so much more than an educational initiative. It empowers young people with disabilities to grow in confidence, learn new skills, and connect with one another in a supportive environment. This collaboration with Lovell is incredibly special, as it allows our gardeners to take their ideas beyond the walls of The Alnwick Garden and create a sustainable space that can inspire future residents at Edward’s Birch. We hope it encourages people to think differently about their own gardens and embrace more nature-friendly approaches.”
Working alongside landscape gardeners from Lovell, construction of the garden will begin later this month, with an official opening planned for November 2025.
Ashleigh Tate, Marketing and Social Impact Manager at Lovell, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with The Alnwick Garden on this inspiring project. Supporting the Young Gardeners in designing their first commercial garden has been a privilege, and reflects the importance we place on developing skills and employability among communities where we work. We have been blown away by the young people’s creativity and enthusiasm.
“At Lovell, we are committed to building communities that thrive, and sustainability is also a key part of that. With its rainwater collection system, wildlife-friendly ponds, and vegetable patch, the young gardeners’ design is a fantastic example of how small changes can make a big difference.
“We are proud to help bring their vision to life and look forward to seeing the space taking shape and being enjoyed by prospective buyers at Edward’s Birch.”
The partnership with Lovell has sparked huge excitement amongst the Young Gardeners. Arran Burn, 17, who has been attending the sessions for over 15 years said: “I want to say thank you to Lovell for the opportunity to design our own garden. I can’t wait to see our ideas come to life, and hope to create a special, relaxing place for people to visit.”
At The Alnwick Garden Trust, our charity is more than a visitor attraction; it’s a place for the community to belong, to grow, and to thrive. This year’s Social Impact Report highlights the incredible stories of transformation made possible through the delivery of our charitable programmes. The Trust is truly unique, not only providing a destination for a great day out, but also as the home of life changing programmes that support those most in need. From empowering young people, including those with Special Educational Needs, to reducing isolation and loneliness to the older members of our community, we aim to provide support to as many people as we can.
One of our Young Gardeners captured it perfectly in a recent session (see below), and we couldn’t not share their heartfelt quotation with you all! This is what impact looks like and it serves to remind us that it’s not just about numbers on a page, it’s about confidence, connection, and opportunity.
We are so proud of what has been achieved together in 2024/25, and so grateful to everyone who supports our mission.
📖 Explore the full report here https://lnkd.in/ebcT3iET
In a world saturated with marketing messages, brands are increasingly seeking partnerships that don’t just speak to audiences, they connect, and one of the most powerful ways to create this connection is through collaborative brand storytelling.
At The Alnwick Garden, we’ve seen first hand how shared narratives can transform a standard sponsorship into a thriving, long term partnership. When done well, brand storytelling doesn’t just promote, it inspires, aligns values, and invites audiences to become part of something bigger. Partnerships are more than transactions, they’re relationships and like any good relationship, they need a shared story to grow.
Stories do three things no marketing campaign can
Humanise the brand – audiences don’t instantly connect with logos, they connect with emotions.
Create meaning beyond the product or service – a great story shows how a brand fits into the world’s bigger picture.
Build trust and loyalty over time – people remember stories far longer than they remember facts.
So is collaborative story telling just co-branding we hear you ask?
Too often, collaboration in marketing just means adding two logos to the same flyer. True collaborative storytelling goes much deeper. It asks,
What’s the shared mission between the two brands?
Where do our audiences’ values overlap?
How can we tell a story together that neither of us could tell alone?
For example, if a brand partners with The Alnwick Garden, it’s not simply about supporting a visitor attraction. It’s about weaving their identity into our mission, to be flexible to the needs of the community and help those who need it the most..
At The Alnwick Garden, we treat each partnership like a carefully tended lawn. We plant the seeds of a shared vision, nurture it with consistent storytelling, and watch it grow into something that benefits both the partner and the communities we serve. When brands align with us, they’re not just putting their name to an event or sponsorship, they’re becoming part of an evolving narrative. That’s the magic of collaborative storytelling, it’s not about whose logo is bigger, but about whose impact is greater because we told the story together.
If you want to build a partnership that’s remembered not just for what it achieved, but for the story it told, start planting those seeds today.
In celebration of National Underwear Day, we’re thrilled to officially announce our brilliant new partnership with OddBalls, the bold, brave and brilliantly bonkers underwear brand that’s on a mission to make a difference, just like us. Our collaboration is bringing together the vibrant energy of OddBalls with the community charity of The Alnwick Garden, and let us tell you, things are about to get pants!
We’re teaming up to create a series of colourful events, releasing exclusive retail products, weird and wonderful content, and plenty of surprises along the way.
Not only are they the masters of fun underwear, but OddBalls also do incredible work raising awareness for testicular cancer through their foundation. Together, we’re combining creativity and cause, adding meaning to every bright, bold boxers purchase and every event we bring to life.
We’ll be kicking things off with a series of playful content drops and collaboration events at The Alnwick Garden, so keep your eyes peeled, and your pants pulled up. Whether you visit us in person or follow along on our socials, expect colour, laughter, and a whole lot of cheeky charm.
Stay tuned. Stay colourful. And most importantly… Happy National Underwear Day!
We’ve got some BIG little news at The Alnwick Garden, and it comes with pedals!
Thanks to the amazing generosity of our partners, W.L Straughan & Son, we’re welcoming a brand new fleet of mini tractors to The Garden. These pint sized bundles of fun are ready to roll, and we couldn’t be more excited to put them to play, not so much work, around our grounds. This kind sponsorship means the world to us, not only are these mini tractors great in spreading message of sustainability and our links with rural agriculture, but they also bring a whole heap of fun for our younger visitors. It’s another step in making The Alnwick Garden a place where nature, imagination, and community come together. And speaking of fun…
Join us for Tractor and Truck Day on Friday 25th July!
We’re celebrating in style with Tractor and Truck Day on Friday 25th July, at The Alnwick Garden. Come along for a day full of engine themed excitement, family friendly activities, and a chance to see the new mini tractors in action. From shiny vintage trucks to roaring tractors, both mini and mighty, it’s going to be a brilliant day out for all ages.
Whether you’re a little one who dreams of driving diggers or a grown up who still loves a good tractor display, this is not a day to miss. Mark your calendars and visit our What’s On Page to find out more.
Who are W.L Straughan & Son
This fantastic family run business from Bedlington, has over 30 years’ of experience in civil engineering and groundworks, building tracks, paths, roads, bridges, drainage systems, and more. Landscaping and environmental services, soft and hard landscaping, pond/wetland creation, habitat and conservation projects. Operated plant hire, offering compact tractors, hedge cutters, excavators, dumpers, and more, all with qualified operators. As part of a wider group that includes Green Leaf Recycling and equestrian services, W.L Straughan & Son blends farming roots with modern environmental stewardship. They’ve got over 70 team members and a full machinery brigade, with a strong dedication to sustainability using biodegradable oils, we’re looking forward to continuing to grow our partnership over the coming months.
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A word from The Alnwick Garden
“We’re incredibly proud of this new partnership and grateful to W.L Straughan & Son for their support in helping us grow, both literally and figuratively. With their help, we can continue to nurture nature, inspire imaginations, and bring our community together. They’re not just helping us care for the Garden in supplying compost, but creating magical experiences for our visitors. It’s a brilliant partnership, and we’re thrilled to be working together.”
Lauren St Hilaire, Senior Partnerships Manager.
There are few things more special than seeing The Alnwick Garden come alive with families, laughter, and music. On a scorching summer’s evening on Friday 20th June, we had the privilege of witnessing just that.
Hosted by our wonderful partners Sage Wealth Management, Alice’s Enchanted Garden Party welcomed guests into a magical world of wonder, imagination, and community spirit. Bathed in summer sunshine and set against the iconic backdrop of The Sage Wealth Management Grand Cascade, the evening was filled with fun, fundraising and entertainment that delighted guests of all ages.
From magical performances by the incredibly talented CAST Academy, to live music, storytelling, and creative activities inspired by the world of Alice in Wonderland, The Garden was transformed into a vibrant celebration. Families enjoyed great food, shared picnics on the lawn, and were captivated by scenes straight out of the storybook itself.
But beyond the entertainment and spectacle, the evening held a deeper purpose, to support two causes close to Sage Wealth Management hearts, The Alnwick Garden Trust and the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation. Both organisations work tirelessly to improve lives through access to nature, wellbeing programmes, and community outreach. Thanks to guests and supporters, Sage Wealth Management were able to raise awareness and much needed funds to help continue that vital work, with the grand total to be announced soon.
We are so grateful to everyone for making the event a roaring success, from performers and volunteers to each family who brought their energy and enthusiasm. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to Sage Wealth Management for their continued partnership and dedication to The Alnwick Garden. As the sun set over the Sage Wealth Management Grand Cascade one thing was clear, community is at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to be a place where memories are made, stories are shared, and where magic truly comes to life.
At The Alnwick Garden, we’re always looking for new ways to combine sustainability with community support and our latest partnership does just that.
We’re proud to announce our collaboration with Fundraise & Recycle, an organisation that turns pre-loved clothing and textiles into funding for local causes. Through this fundraising initiative, every kilogram of donated clothing generates 20p for our charitable programmes here at The Alnwick Garden. That means your old jeans, jumpers, jackets, shoes and accessories can directly support our work in the community, helping those people who need it the most.
Convenient Drop Off Points
We’ve made it easy to get involved. There are now two dedicated clothing banks onsite at The Alnwick Garden (accessible and overflow car park), where visitors can drop off clean, unwanted clothes anytime during opening hours. In addition, we’re thrilled to be expanding the reach of our clothing donations thanks to the support of several local businesses:
WL Straughan & Son Ltd
Vertu Ford Morpeth
And coming soon, Specsavers Alnwick will also serve as an official drop-off location
These partners are helping us bring this initiative to more people across Northumberland, making it even easier for the public to declutter responsibly and give back locally.
A Win for the Planet and the Community
By donating your clothing, you’re doing more than clearing space in your wardrobe, you’re helping reduce landfill waste and supporting charitable work at The Alnwick Garden. It’s a small action with a big impact. We’re incredibly grateful to Fundraise & Recycle for their support, and to our local partners for joining us in creating a more sustainable and caring community.
How You Can Help
Drop off your clean, wearable clothing at any of our collection points
Spread the word to friends and family by sharing our profile or starting a campaign – profile here
Support our programmes by continuing to visit and engage with The Alnwick Garden
We’re delighted to announce our brand new corporate partnership, as The Alnwick Garden teams up with locally loved, family-run firm Blueline Taxis.
The team at Blueline Taxis, are committed to making your journey comfortable, convenient, stress-free and, with shared goals, values and a community focus, they are the perfect pairing as the latest travel partner to come ‘on board’ with us.
Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll be running joint offers, competitions and collaborations but for now, here’s a little more insight into why Blueline are the peoples choice when it comes to local private travel.
Driving a greener future
An alignment of goals, values and beliefs are essential in any successful partnerships and, just like The Alnwick Garden, Blueline are committed to reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability within their operations. The Blueline Green Policy reflects their dedication to a greener future and outlines the steps they take to ensure our services are eco-friendly.
Each year, Blueline serve over 10,608,000 passengers throughout the region, boasting an exceptional 99.7% satisfaction rating.
Their fleet of modern, eco-friendly vehicles ensures every journey is safe, comfortable, and efficient and we can’t wait to be teaming up with their 800 drivers to ensure visitors get to and from The Garden and Lilidorei.
For the community
The Alnwick Garden is more than a garden and Blueline is more than just a transportation service; like us, they’re deeply ingrained in our community. They proudly support and collaborate with local charities, working together to make a positive impact in the lives of those they serve. Blueline’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to their strong track record in supporting LGBT and disability rights – causes that are close to our hearts at The Garden too and integral to our company values.
“As North East England’s leading taxi firm, we’re incredibly proud to become an official transport partner for The Alnwick Garden,” said Tom Shanks, Director at Blueline Taxis. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our shared values – from our growing fleet of low-emission vehicles matching their sustainability goals, to our mutual focus on accessibility and creating welcoming experiences for all visitors. Whether it’s families enjoying a day out or tourists exploring the region, we’re committed to providing reliable, environmentally-conscious transport that complements the Garden’s world-class offering.”
Thank you so much to the team at Blueline Taxis, we’re excited to see where our partnership takes us!
Friday 28th March will be written into The Alnwick Garden history books as the day that the incredible Annasley Park completed her 3000 mile solo, and completely unaided row across the Atlantic Ocean, to raise a huge amount of money for our charity.
Annasley was first introduced to us at The Alnwick Garden back in March 2024, exactly a year before she would become only the 9th female in history to complete the incredibly gruelling challenge. The crossing from Gran Canaria to Barbados was completed valiantly by Annasley in nearly 55 days as she battled extreme weather, dangerous animals, a capsize, sleep deprivation and the hardest physical and mental obstacles of her life.
Just as the endeavour served as a metaphor of life’s highs and lows, she invited us and the world to share on her journey of how to embrace the waves of uncharted waters. The challenge was not about getting from A to B. Instead, it is about how the journey starts today, what is experienced along the way and how reflection of each ebb and flow will create change for tomorrow.
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Annasley set out with one main goal in mind, alongside raising as much money as she could for four chosen charities, including The Alnwick Garden Trust. “To inspire and educate a generational shift in resilience, one explorer, one documentary, one ocean at a time!”
After a herculean final day on the water, Annasley battled her way into Port St. Charles, and finished her phenomenal solo Atlantic ocean row today.
It was incredibly emotional, it was seriously nail biting, it was absolutely wonderful.
Annasley’s twin sister Georgia took these photos, before she launched, and after she landed – and the difference is fascinating. Whilst her skin is more weather-beaten, and her collar bones are more prominent from the weight loss, the real difference is in those eyes.These eyes have seen things that we simply won’t ever see. And they’re portals to a mind that dug deeper than Annasley ever thought possible. One glance at Annasley, and it’s immediately noticeable. This is a woman that has been pushed to her limits, and then beyond…but she’s survived to tell her story, and she has wisdom beyond her years. What an expedition this has been, what an incredible human this is.
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To read more about the challenge and to donate please follow this link: oceansurvivoar.com
There is lots more to come, but for now we’ll leave Annasley to find her land legs, thank her a million times over and mark the 28th March 2025 in our history books as the day Annasley Park took on the Atlantic and won!
