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 De Vitre Community Garden is one example of this. The garden is based in the Ashton area of Lancaster city centre and was awarded funding from the Community Benefit Fund to improve the biodiversity of the community garden. In 2024, they used the funding for the creation of a wildflower meadow area, and the planting of new trees and fruit shrubs. By creating a useable wildflower area from scrubland, the project has created a project for the local community to volunteer and socialise together and created a space for local wildlife to thrive, as foxes, rabbits and hedgehogs have all been spotted in the garden.

Tim Newton, from the Friends of De Vitre Community Garden, said, “The garden is creating a green environment with rest areas for local community use – there have been numerous volunteers recruited, and we regularly receive 50-60 visitors daily including elderly residents and patients at nearby day-centre.”

Friends of De Vitre Community Garden have cleverly used the funds to design a space that can continue to be sustainable with or without community involvement and volunteers. Lancaster University remains committed to empowering more projects like this, encouraging other organisations to apply for the fund and make a lasting difference.