Braywick Heath Plant Nurseries saved thanks to support from community (Edited by Author)
A much-loved social enterprise has been saved from closure thanks to the support of the community.
Braywick Heath Plant Nurseries, a not-for-profit organisation which offers work experience and training for people with additional needs, has been given a ‘second chance’ following a call to action last year.
In October, the Advertiser revealed that the garden centre, which has a ‘growing plants and growing people’ tagline, would be closing at the end of 2025, unless a partner could be found.
However, following the Advertiser’s report of the appeal for help and subsequent local coverage, about 25 different people and organisations got in touch to offer their help.
“I can’t think of words to express how pleased I am that we’ve been given this second chance,” said Lisa Hughes, the new chair of Braywick Heath Plant Nurseries.
“We were contacted by quite a lot of people and spent November and December discussing things with various people.”
The organisation has received the support of Blue Diamond Garden Centres, wholesaler Farplants, a retail consultancy, businessman Mark Scanlon, and others.
It is now ‘turning things around’.
“They’ve all just come together and in different ways supported us,” Lisa added
“We’ve been able to keep our staff, keep our volunteers.
“Having to tell staff last year that they were going to lose their jobs at the end of the year was absolutely awful.
“Some of our long-term supported volunteers, they’ve been coming to Braywick maybe as long as it’s been going, and to lose that weekly visit and regularity of them coming and stuff was really awful.”
Lisa added: “What has really pleased us most about all of this is, getting some investment has meant that we’ve been able to restock the nurseries.
“For me, the most important thing we’ve been able to do is to build upon the work that we were doing with people with learning disabilities and autism.”
The team is also embarking on a new programme called Readiness To Work, which helps people build their confidence.
“A massive barrier for people trying to get work is just having that confidence that if something doesn’t go quite right, they’ll be able to cope with it,” said Lisa.
“But we also build those transferable skills that we know employers are looking for.”
In March, current and former staff gathered to throw a retirement party for Robin Pemberton, recognising his 30 years with Braywick Heath Nurseries.
Mr Pemberton, who has stepped down from his role, was presented with a personalised plant pot and plaque.
“We just want to say a massive thank you to Robin for everything that he’s done for the nurseries,” Lisa said.
Robin will remain a member of the social enterprise.
Donna Stimson, former borough councillor and Green Skills Library founder and Jeremy Hay, chief executive officer at Talkback, will join Lisa and Henry Pohl on the board of directors.
A refurbishment of the shop is also taking place.
Lisa said the support has been ‘humbling’ and to be back on ‘more solid footing’ enables the team to move forward.
“Thank you to the Maidenhead Advertiser for picking it up because I think without your coverage of it, [it] might have been a different outcome,” Lisa added.
Any organisations interested in learning more about Braywick Heath’s mission, or anyone interested in volunteering, are asked to email chair@braywick
heath.co.uk or admin
@braywickheath.co.uk
Braywick Heath operates all year round, but during spring and
summer its opening hours are seven days a week from 10am to 5pm, except Sundays which is 10am to 4pm.
