Manx Lottery Trust supports Inclusive and Educational Gardens

Manx Lottery Trust has announced its support for Milntown Estate and Gardens in the form of a £25,000 grant. This funding will enable Milntown to create an inclusive area and greenhouse within their heritage fruit and vegetable garden, in collaboration with the Manx Wildlife Trust, to provide an educational space benefitting the Island.

Milntown’s group of 25 volunteers both grow and donate food to local community projects, whilst working with chefs to incorporate produce into the restaurant menu. They have won awards at local fairs for their harvest.

To continue its success, Milntown aims to utilise its funding for three main aspects. After receiving feedback from volunteers, it will install a new greenhouse so the group can work in one space to further build collaboration and community; raise beds to enable those with physical difficulties to participate comfortably and implement all-ability paths to make the garden available to everyone.

Adam Quayle, General Manager of the Milntown Trust, said: ‘This generous grant from the Manx Lottery Trust will be more than transformative for Milntown Estate. It will allow us to create an inclusive and accessible garden space where all members of the community can come together, learn and contribute. With the new greenhouse, raised beds and all-ability pathways, we’re not only growing produce but connections, inclusivity and education.’

David Christian, Chairman of the Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘We are proud to support Milntown Estate and Gardens in its inspiring work to foster community inclusion and environmental education. This funding will help create a welcoming space that benefits people of all abilities, ensuring the Island’s heritage and green initiatives thrive for generations to come.’

This project will make Milntown’s garden an overall more inclusive and educational space and encourage engagement with nature, growing food and healthy eating, while also continuing to support the local community and island wide conservation efforts.