Blog

Planting the seeds for future success

10 Aug. 2026

National Allotment Week, taking place from 10th -16th August, celebrates the important role green spaces play in bringing communities together, improving wellbeing and creating opportunities to learn new skills. 

Across the East Midlands, participants on the Seeds of Change project are experiencing these benefits first hand. Part of the CFO Evolution programme, Seeds of Change is an eight-week initiative that uses horticulture and conservation activities to help people on probation develop practical skills, build confidence and take positive steps towards employment. 

Delivered one day a week across sites in the Peak District and Forestry England, the programme provides a supportive environment where participants can learn new skills, work as part of a team and contribute to meaningful community projects. Alongside practical activities, they are encouraged to explore future job goals and develop work-ready skills that can help them move closer to the labour market. 

The impact of the programme can be seen through a variety of projects that have made a real difference to local communities and wildlife habitats.

Transforming a community garden 

One project saw participants breathe new life into a community garden in the Peak District. The garden grows vegetables and herbs used by a local community café, providing fresh produce for residents. 

What started as a plan to improve part of the space quickly became something much bigger. Participants worked together to remove weeds, turn over compacted soil, clear rocks and prepare the ground for new planting. Fresh vegetables were planted alongside colourful sweet peas, which now grow around handcrafted tipis built during the session. 

The transformation exceeded expectations. Rangers had initially hoped to see part of the garden renovated, but thanks to the determination and teamwork of those involved, the entire area was revitalised in just one day. 

Creative problem-solving in action 

Seeds of Change is about more than gardening. It also encourages participants to use their existing skills in practical and meaningful ways. 

When staff at one site were struggling to protect young plants from mice eating newly planted seeds, one participant drew on previous engineering experience to create a new storage shelf. Using spare wood and old chair legs, they designed and built a raised structure that provided a safe space for seedlings while making better use of the available space. 

The solution demonstrated initiative, creativity and problem-solving skills, all qualities valued by employers. 

Supporting wildlife across the Peak District 

Conservation is another important part of the programme. Participants recently transformed reclaimed timber into butterfly boxes that will be distributed across the Peak District to support local wildlife and biodiversity. 

The project gave participants the opportunity to develop woodworking skills while contributing to conservation efforts. 

Preserving traditional skills 

The programme also introduces participants to traditional countryside crafts. One group recently completed the construction of a dry stone wall, learning techniques that have shaped the Peak District landscape for generations. 

Sarah Nobbs, Regional Head of Delivery for CFO Evolution in the East Midlands, said: 

"Seeds of Change demonstrates the incredible impact that practical, community-based projects can have on people's confidence and future aspirations. By working together on meaningful environmental initiatives, participants gain far more than horticultural skills. They develop teamwork, resilience, problem-solving abilities and a sense of achievement that can help them take positive steps towards employment and a brighter future. Seeing individuals discover new talents and realise what they are capable of is one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme." 

Activities like these not only provide hands-on experience but also help participants gain confidence through achieving visible and lasting results. 

Participants leave with confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience and a portfolio showcasing their achievements, including photos that can support future employment opportunities. 

A participant expressed the positive impact the initiative had and said: “ It’s made me feel like a human being again – like I’m part of the world rather than just on my own.” 

Not only are participants taking part in the programme and rebuilding their confidence, but the programme has also been praised by Matt at the Peak Park Rangers: “In our own small way at the National Park, I feel we are helping to support people in shaping their second chances. I am very happy and impressed with how the project is being delivered.” 

From planting 300 trees in a single day to transforming community spaces, the programme demonstrates what can be achieved when people are given the chance to grow, building confidence, purpose and brighter futures along the way.