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Sky Gardening Challenge launched by National Trust

Fahad Redha

April 28, 2026
3 min read

Sky Gardening Challenge launched by National Trust

The National Trust has launched its Sky Gardening Challenge, encouraging those who live in flats to “start sowing seeds, planting pots for their balconies, or adding a window box to support nature and their own wellbeing.” By taking part in the challenge, the Trust hopes that “together we can create more green space particularly in urban centres.”

The Sky Gardening Challenge first launched as a pilot in Greater Manchester in 2025. It returns following the success of the pilot and is now open to residents all over England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

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Research from the University of Manchester has found that there could be “well over” 430,000 balconies across England & Wales that cover a total of 177.3 hectares or around 250 football pitches. These could be transformed into “green oases.” That figure does not include other spaces including Juliet balconies, windowsills, walkways and terraces, which those living in flats could also turn green.

Planting these spaces with flowers could support millions of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles, which are vital to the ecosystem, providing food for other creatures and pollinating many plants.

The Sky Gardening Challenge hopes to support people to “give it a go whether that is by growing herbs, vegetables or flowers from seeds, or creating a bug hotel,” the Trust says, adding that “planting up even the smallest space can create a pit stop for pollinators and by enhancing the space people could boost their mood and mental health too.”

Workshops to guide residents to plant up pots with herbs, bulbs, or perennials will be held across the country. Anyone interested in taking part in the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge can sign up via the website to receive a free handbook, packet of seeds and a regular newsletter with hints and tips and information about workshops. You will also be able to take part in a competition launching in June with the winner being invited to a celebration event in October.

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About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.