Bushmead Community Hub garden
A small secure garden tucked away next to the Bushmead Community Hub with gardening, food-growing and nature observation sessions.
Summary
Supervised sessions run fortnightly on Tuesday mornings, but the garden is open for all to enjoy and look after every day of the week. The supervised sessions are run by staff and volunteers from the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire (BCN).
At the supervised sessions, expect activities to include:
sowing seeds and learning how to grow plants
maintaining the nature-friendly planting schemes and borders
observing insects at the child-safe pond
seeing wildlife-friendly gardening in action
Bushmead Community Hub, Hancock Drive, Luton, LU2 7SF
Getting here
Address
Bushmead Community Hub, Hancock Drive, Luton, LU2 7SF
Walking
The garden is walking distance from Bushmead, and parts of Barnfield, Stopsley and Warden Hills.
Public transport
The nearest bus stops are a 2-minute walk away on Hancock Drive and are served by bus numbers 24, 25 and 26.
Parking
There is a large but sometimes busy free car park outside the community hub. Disabled spaces are right outside the building.
Spotting insects in the wildlife pond
How to garden in wildlife-friendly way at the Bushmead Hub Garden. Photo: Holly Wilkinson
Who can join activities here?
The garden is open for all to enjoy every day. We welcome anyone interested in helping us maintain this space, even outside of the Tuesday gardening sessions.
The Tuesday sessions are especially popular with pre-school children and their parents or carers.
Parents and guardians are responsible for their children. Sessions are usually attended by about 10 to 12 adults and children.
Opening times
Guided gardening sessions run fortnightly on Tuesday mornings between March and November.
Sessions run for 2 hours from 10am to midday.
Outside these hours, the garden is open at any time during the opening hours of the Hub, and you're welcome to visit.
Costs
Activities are free.
Facilities
Toilets are available at the Bushmead Community Hub, right next to the garden.
Hot drinks and biscuits are usually available.
Accessibility
The garden has step-free access from the pavement.
Accessible toilets are available in the Bushmead Community Hub.
How to sign up
To register for the first time, contact Ieva Piraga, Wildlife Trust BCN.
We will ask you to complete a simple registration form.
About the staff
Each session is led by 1 trained Wildlife Trust BCN member of staff.
Staff are DBS checked, and receive comprehensive training in health and safety, safeguarding and First Aid.
Good to know
The garden is small and has a child-safe pond
It's open to visit by anyone during the opening hours of the hub
Gloves and all tools are provided
Just wear suitable clothes, bring water and snacks
Hot drinks and biscuits are usually provided
Butterfly in the grass
"I had no idea this garden was here, what a lovely space!"
More about the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants
The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire (BCN) was formed in August 1994. It is one of 46 independent Wildlife Trusts in the UK. Their purpose is to bring wildlife back, to empower people to take meaningful action for nature and to create an inclusive society where nature matters.
Their vision is of a thriving natural world, with wildlife and natural habitats playing a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and everyone being inspired to get involved in nature’s recovery.
Partner role: provider of nature-based activities and education
Still have a question?
For general questions about this activity, contact the Luton Health and Nature Partnership.
Alternatively, email Matt Sutcliffe, education officer at the Wildlife Trust Wilder Luton Project.