::::CURRENT ACTIVITIES (2026)::::

This year, we’re focussing on raising awareness of the Open Return Garden at Weston-super-Mare train station. We’re enhancing the garden with new benches, signage, and general improvements to create a brighter, more accessible environment. We’ll also be organising train trips for volunteers to visit other community station gardens along the GWR line, and visiting community groups in the town to facilitate creative nature-based activities.

We’ll be running Pop-Up Stalls @ Weston Train station offering free seeds and plants for commuters on Thursday 21 May / Wednesday 3 June / Monday 22 June from  4.30–6.30pm. 

Get Involved! We welcome anyone who’d like to lend a hand in the garden – whether you’re local, passing through, or part of a community group – even 20 minutes of watering can make a real difference.

Beyond the station, we’ll also revitalise the Italian Gardens’ seated micro-gardens and the Lighthouse Garden on the station approach – carrying out much-needed maintenance and refreshing them with new planting.

We’re also facilitating a series of community-focused activities across the town. See below for more details. 


This work is made possible thanks to the support of GWR Customer & Community Improvement Fund, Severnside Rail Partnership, Burnham and Weston Energy Fund, and Weston Town Council.

DATES: Fridays 9.30am - 1pm + evening and weekend sessions

LOCATION: Platform 2, Weston-super-Mare Train Station

TO ATTEND: growferalprojects@gmail.com

Community Gardening Volunteer Sessions @ Open Return Garden

The Open Return Garden is a welcoming, community-driven growing space where people come together to connect, create, and cultivate both the land and their own well-being. Through relaxed, hands-on activities and informal environmental learning, the garden is more than just a place to grow plants – it’s a space to grow confidence, friendships, and shared purpose.

Our regular volunteer sessions invite people of all backgrounds and experience levels to get involved in shaping a vibrant, thriving garden. Whether you’re curious about growing your own food, supporting local biodiversity with wildflowers, or simply looking for a peaceful place to spend time outdoors, there’s a place for you.

This year, we’ve added additional evening & weekend sessions aimed at commuters and those working during the day: 

  • Thursdays throughout June, 5-6.30pm 

  • Saturdays, 10am-12pm - 23rd May, 13th June, 18th July, 15th August

Whether you live nearby, pass through the station, or are part of a community group – just 20 minutes now and then to water plants can make a real difference. We hope to see you in the garden!

DATES:

  • Saturday 30th May, 10.30 - 12.30pm (part of North Somerset Walk Festival)

  • Sunday 28th June, 10.30-12.30pm

  • Sunday 26th July, 10.30-12.30 

  • Sunday 20th September, 10.30-12.30pm

LOCATION: Walks begin at the Open Return Garden at Weston-super-Mare train station, and end at Weston Old Town Quarry.

TO ATTEND: Book here

Grow Weston Walks: Urban Gardens & Green Spaces

Step into the green heart of Weston-super-Mare. The Grow Weston network connects local community groups and thriving growing spaces across the town – and this walk brings them to life. 

Join us for a relaxed, guided journey through a rich mix of community gardens, parks, and urban growing spaces of all shapes and sizes around the town centre. Along the way, you’ll discover just how much nature is flourishing in unexpected places – from hidden plots tucked between buildings to vibrant planters and welcoming community growing spaces cared for by local volunteers. 

These spaces do more than brighten our streets. They support biodiversity, create habitats for pollinators, and contribute to healthier urban ecosystems, while offering accessible green spaces for residents and visitors alike to enjoy and connect with nature.

During the walk, you’ll also hear the stories behind these spaces, meet some of the people who help them grow, and pick up ideas and inspiration for getting involved.

Come along to explore, connect, and see Weston’s roots growing in action!

The walk is about 2.5 miles. Wear walking-sensible shoes, and bring water. 

DATES:

  • Wednesday 17th June, 6-9pm 

  • Saturday 11th July @ Arts & Health Festival, Weston beach

  • Wednesday 19th August, 6-9pm

  • Wednesday 16th September, 6-9pm

  • Wednesday 21st October, 6-9pm

LOCATION: The Other Place, 81-83 Meadow Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1QL (except otherwise stated)

TO ATTEND: Book here

Weston JarSquad

JarSquad turns surplus food into tasty ferments, pickles, jams and preserves using surplus ingredients, collective know-how, and shared effort.

Weston JarSquad will connect with the Grow Weston network to gather surplus produce from community gardens across Weston. 

ABOUT JAR SQUAD: Weston JarSquad is a sprout of JarSquad which started life in Plymouth. JarSquad connects the dots between food waste, climate action, and combating social isolation.

JarSquad believes that sharing and working together is a lost art. JarSquad is a space to practice being-and-working together more in community. You can read more about the ethos and practice of JarSquad HERE.

GET INVOLVED: We need jars, and surplus fresh ingredients to make this happen. Get in touch if you have either. 

Sign up to attend: