Communigrow – our Charity of the Year 2026
Supporting Communigrow
We are delighted to partner with Communigrow, the sustainable food education charity and community garden based in East Malling, Kent.
Communigrow teaches people how to grow food in an environmentally friendly way, using the therapeutic benefits of gardening to bring about positive change to physical and mental wellbeing. Through its educational programs and collaborative initiatives, Communigrow supports individuals of all ages, fostering personal development and community wellbeing. Their work encourages sustainable practices, improves access to healthy food and strengthens connections with nature, while creating a space for learning and growth.
This marks our fifth Charity of the Year partnership, following previous support for Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex, Heart of Kent Hospice, Spadework and most recently, Porchlight. Our ongoing commitment to championing local causes reflects our core mission of enhancing the lives of people in the communities we serve.
June Members' Charity Golf Day
On Saturday 13 June, we hosted our annual Members’ Charity Golf Day in support of Communigrow – and what a day it was! Held at the beautiful Poult Wood Golf Course, the event brought together over 72 enthusiastic players who competed in both individual and team stableford formats.
Thanks to their generosity, and the incredible support from our local business community, we raised over £2,800.00 for the charity. Funds were generated through tee sponsorships, an exciting raffle, a lively auction, and on-course competitions.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, and to the many local companies who kindly donated prizes, auction items and tee sponsorships. Your support made the day a resounding success – and a meaningful one too, helping to support a very worthy and deserving charity.
During the Month – a further £120.00 was raised from the sale of the Prima annual show programme.
May Charity Quiz Night
In May, we raised £460.00 for our Charity of the Year, through a fun-filled quiz night at Larkfield Leisure Centre.
The evening brought together Larkfield customers, members and staff for a lively night of quizzing, with all funds raised going directly to the charity. It was also fantastic to be joined on the night by a team from Communigrow (pictured).
The event was also supported by a number of local businesses, who kindly provided raffle prizes.
A successful evening of fundraising and fun, made possible by everyone involved. Look out for future quiz nights!
March Charitable Donation from LASER Energy
In December, we were delighted to be invited by LASER Energy to nominate a local charity through their social value programme. A trusted decarbonisation partner – behind projects such as the rooftop solar installation at Larkfield Leisure Centre – LASER supports organisations in reducing their carbon footprint. We were proud to nominate Communigrow as the chosen local cause.
In March, Communigrow received a £647.89 donation, which it will use to fund essential tools and storage for their Field School – helping young people get active outdoors while learning to grow and cook food.
December Fundraisers
December marks the beginning of our partnership with Communigrow. We launched our fundraising efforts with the sale of the Leybourne Lakes Country Park calendar, featuring photographs from the monthly photo competition held at the lakes. Available at the LLCP Refuel Café, the calendar is already contributing to our fundraising total, with proceeds to be allocated in the New Year.
The team at Tonbridge Swimming Pool also supported the initiative by hosting a Christmas Breakfast for early-morning swimmers on Thursday 11 December and Larkfield’s Prima Stage School held a PJ Charity Fundraiser in the lead up to Christmas.
In addition, we made a £100.00 donation to Communigrow in lieu of sending Christmas cards to suppliers and partners.
These activities mark the start of our year-long support for Communigrow, and we look forward to continuing to raise funds and awareness throughout 2026 to help advance their valuable work in the community.
Communigrow Events
Carbon Literacy Training for Businesses
Thursday 22 January – 9am to 5.30pm
A full day of Carbon Literacy Training at our sustainable food education charity and community garden. Spend the morning training in the Communigrow Yurt and exploring our low carbon site in East Malling, then enjoy lunch and your afternoon session in the neighbouring Mumford Conference Centre at NIAB. This is an ‘open’ session welcoming learners from multiple organisations.
Wonderful Winter – Home Ed Sessions ages 4-11
Tuesday 6 January – 11am to 12.15 pm
This is a block of 6 sessions running from Tuesday 6 January 2026.
Hands-on Winter programme for children aged 4-11 in Home Education at our off-grid, sustainable food education charity and 5* RHS Gardening School.
Celebrate all that’s good about the season! Wrap up warm for outdoor learning fun then cosy up in our heated yurt to enjoy crafting for wildlife and preparing for the year ahead.
The Field School at Communigrow is a relaxed outdoor setting where young people can be themselves.
Experienced tutors and absorbing activities mean that everyone, including those with anxiety or sensory needs, feels comfortable.
Dose of Nature – Taster Session
Friday 6 February – 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Therapeutic gardening sessions to support the physical and mental wellbeing of adults living with High Blood Pressure or Type 2 Diabetes.
A fantastic opportunity to engage holistically with mind, body and health. Learn more about how to manage your blood pressure and/or type 2 diabetes to improve your health and reduce the risk of complications, in our tranquil and supportive community garden.
Working with local GP and Communigrow Trustee Dr Becky Prince and our therapeutic gardening team, sessions may include group gardening activities working at your own pace, learning more about healthy food, including cooking together, and having the opportunity to put your questions to expert guest speakers. Plus plenty of tea breaks!
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Please email info@communigrow.org.uk to book and find out more.
Clay Workshop for Beginners
Saturday 7 February – 10am to 12 noon
Take inspiration from the beautiful flowers and plants around you in the Communigrow Community Garden and build two items of your very own design over a two hour session in our yurt.
Tutored by local ceramicist Anita Oakley, you will dip into slab work, coiling, and pinch pots. Your creations will be bisque fired and then glaze fired for collection at a later date.
This workshop is suitable for adults and young people aged 11+.
Cooking For All
Friday 27 February – 10.30am to 12.30pm
East Malling Centre, Chapman Way, ME19 6SD
Whether you live on your own or have a family to feed, come along and discover how to cook simple, cheap and nutritious dishes in our fun and friendly group.
We will make basic recipes which can be adapted to make a range of tasty meals to enjoy at home.
FREE GROUP. Spaces are limited, to book a session email: office.eastmallingcentre@gmail.com
Charity Bingo Night
Saturday 14 March 7-9.30pm
West Malling Primary School, ME19 6RL
BYO drinks and nibbles, with fantastic prizes, games and raffle!
£10.00 per person, children 8+ welcomeMore information to follow
Charity Quiz Night @ Larkfield Leisure Centre
Friday 22 May – 7.30pm
Come and join us for a fun evening of quizzing!
£20.00 per team of 6 (max). Book your table at reception and pre-order food at the refuel cafe. Bring some money to enter the raffle.All proceeds will go to Communigrow.
Get Set Grow Family Workshop
Saturday 23 May – 10am – 12 noon
Have a great time outdoors at Communigrow in our family workshops for children aged 4-16 with parents/carers (younger siblings welcome).
Take part in activities including: digging, planting, harvesting, composting, bug hunting and making habitats for animals. Learn new skills and find out about the fantastic fresh food we grow at our sustainable food education charity.
£2.50 per child aged 4-16 years | £5.00 per adultYounger siblings remain the full responsibility of the accompanying adult.
Get Set Grow Family Workshop
Saturday 6 June – 10am – 12 noon
Have a great time outdoors at Communigrow in our family workshops for children aged 4-16 with parents/carers (younger siblings welcome).
Take part in activities including: digging, planting, harvesting, composting, bug hunting and making habitats for animals. Learn new skills and find out about the fantastic fresh food we grow at our sustainable food education charity.
£2.50 per child aged 4-16 years | £5.00 per adultYounger siblings remain the full responsibility of the accompanying adult.
Communigrow Open Day
Saturday 20 June @ 11am – 2pm
Visit our sustainable food education charity and Community Garden in East Malling.
Lots of fun for all:
Tours | Demonstrations | Live music | Amazing raffle prizes | Children’s activities & crafts | Games | Plant sale | Local produce | Chemical-free veg | Homemade cakes | Refreshments | Kent Fire & Rescue
Entry is FREE. Pop in anytime between 11am-2pm
Get Set Grow Family Workshop
Saturday 4 July – 10am – 12 noon
Have a great time outdoors at Communigrow in our family workshops for children aged 4-16 with parents/carers (younger siblings welcome).
Take part in activities including: digging, planting, harvesting, composting, bug hunting and making habitats for animals. Learn new skills and find out about the fantastic fresh food we grow at our sustainable food education charity.
£2.50 per child aged 4-16 years | £5.00 per adultYounger siblings remain the full responsibility of the accompanying adult.
Welcome to Communigrow
Sheena Field, Operations Manager, says:
We are delighted to be partnering with tmactive as their Charity of the Year in 2026. tmactive’s mission is to improve health and social wellbeing through physical activity, while minimising their impact on the environment. This is a mission that really resonates with us as a sustainable food education charity focused on mental and physical wellbeing. We are proud to be receiving their support and look forward to working together in the coming year.
Emma Wood, Chief Executive of tmactive, expressed her delight:
We’re thrilled to name Communigrow as our Charity of the Year. Their commitment to sustainable food education, community wellbeing and environmental resilience makes them a perfect match for tmactive’s values. We look forward to working together to help more local people access the benefits of nature, learn valuable skills and improve their health and wellbeing.
