The second annual Katie’s Garden “Spring Clean Your Shed” event, the brainchild of owner Susie Davis, has once again demonstrated the power of community, sustainability, and generosity. This year’s fundraiser raised an incredible £903.70, more than doubling the £440 total in 2024, providing crucial support to Suffolk Wildlife Trust as we work to protect and restore nature across the county, including at cherished local reserves such as Newbourne Springs and Martlesham Wilds which are close by to Katie's Garden.
With the global 2030 deadline to reclaim 30% of land and sea for nature's recovery rapidly approaching, this event has been more than just a fundraiser, it’s been a way for local people to actively contribute to conservation efforts on a local but landscape scale, while also embracing sustainability. Every donation and purchase will help strengthen our efforts to safeguard Suffolk’s natural landscapes, ensuring the local wildlife and ecosystems we treasure continue to thrive, making a tangible impact to our county.
The Katie’s Garden Team told us that from the outset, the event was filled with inspiring moments of generosity:
“One donor gifted six brand-new ceramic pots after changing their plans at home, which we sold for £15-£20 per pot to reflect their value—all sold in no time!
Another customer donated £20 in return for a collection of second-hand tools for her son, who has just moved into his first home.”
The ripple effect of generosity throughout Newbourne and the wider community was evident. Several customers, after spotting the event, returned to the much-loved plant centre the next day specifically to donate tools they no longer needed. Choosing to pass on well-loved items rather than discarding them, they embraced the ethos of reuse and recycling. Many shoppers left feeling delighted, having found a “new” tool, pot, or garden treasure while simultaneously supporting the preservation of Suffolk’s wildlife and green spaces.
Owner Susie Davis said:
"I'm delighted that the Katie's Garden community can help support Suffolk Wildlife Trust with projects like this. Small efforts by many people can bring big results'”
Partnerships Manager, Julie Long agrees:
“A heartfelt thank you to every donor and customer who played a part in making this fundraiser such a success and of course, to the wonderful Katie’s Garden team. Your generosity and commitment go beyond this single event, helping safeguard Suffolk’s environment. The £903 raised could enable Suffolk Wildlife Trust to manage and protect 3-4 acres of precious reserve for an entire year. A huge impact!”
Katie’s Garden Plant Centre have donated any left-over items to Tools with a Mission, furthering the good this campaign has already achieved.
Are you a Garden or Plant Centre in West, South or North Suffolk who feels inspired by Susie’s idea and would like to join us in raising money next Spring? Please get in touch with us by emailing partnerships@suffolkwildlifetrust.org.
If you are a community group or member of the public and would like to fundraise for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, why not get involved this June with our Big Green Fundraiser.
