Lancaster University's Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund is a beacon of hope for local projects striving to make a meaningful impact. Established 10 years ago with the foundation of the University wind turbine, the fund supports initiatives that foster community growth and sustainability. Each year, the fund allocates up to £20,000 to Lancaster District-based not-for-profit organisations, charities, trusts, community groups or voluntary organisations and has created numerous success stories across the area.

We are showcasing some of the successful projects that the fund has supported and the restoration of the Storey Institute Tasting Garden is one example of this. Storey Gardens is in Lancaster city centre and was awarded funding from the Community Benefit Fund to replace the sculptures that had been previously stolen during an old refurbishment in 1998. In November 2024, the new fruit sculptures were installed in the garden at the end of a full refurbishment.

Lucas Introna, from the Friends of the Storey Gardens, said, “As a result of this project, we received plenty of positive feedback on the sculptures and the benefit of the space to the community. We also had more volunteers join the group as a result of this project.”

Friends of Storey Gardens has since become a registered charity to help contribute to the long-term sustainability and maintenance of the gardens. Lancaster University remains committed to empowering more projects like this, encouraging other organisations to apply for the fund and make a lasting difference.