Girlguiding Anglia’s youth‑led sustainability garden set for RHS Sandringham
A bespoke iron bench engraved with the Girlguiding Promise will sit at the centre of the garden.
A youth‑led garden highlighting sustainability, biodiversity and environmental learning will take centre stage at the first ever RHS Sandringham Flower Show, created by Girlguiding Anglia members and volunteers.
The Girlguiding Journey is an 80m² show feature garden designed to showcase how girls aged 4 to 18 learn to care for the environment through hands‑on outdoor experiences rooted in Girlguiding values.
The garden has been designed by Norfolk‑based garden designer Dominique Rudd, supported by 3D illustrator Becky Sheppard, with a strong focus on climate‑resilient planting, wildlife support and natural materials. Visitors will move through a series of spaces reflecting the Girlguiding journey, from early exploration to leadership and responsibility.
Features include a wildflower meadow designed to support pollinators, wildlife habitats created by young members, a Grow Your Own learning bench, and a woodland‑style area inspired by guiding camps and outdoor skills.
A bespoke iron bench engraved with the Girlguiding Promise will sit at the centre of the garden. The bench will be handmade by Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co., Royal Warrant‑holding manufacturers based on the Sandringham Estate.
Preparations for the garden are already in progress, with Girlguiding Anglia members beginning to create natural elements that will be installed in the final design. These activities focus on working with sustainable materials, learning traditional techniques and understanding how small, practical actions can support biodiversity.
The garden’s environmental themes echo concerns expressed by young people themselves. Girlguiding’s Girls’ Attitude Survey 2024 found that over half (51%) of girls aged 7–10 say the loss of nature and wildlife habitats is their top environmental concern, highlighting why youth‑led environmental learning remains so relevant.
The garden will be built by award‑winning contractors Farm & Garden Ltd, with materials donated by regional businesses. After the show, it will be relocated to Hautbois Activity Centre in Norfolk, where it will continue as a permanent sustainability learning resource for Girlguiding Anglia members.
Want to be part of the fun? Find out more about Girlguiding Anglia and how you can get involved at www.girlguiding-anglia.org.uk.