Campaign encourages flat and apartment dwellers to plant up their outdoor spaces for wildlife and wellbeing

The National Trust is inviting Birmingham and Midlands residents living in flats to take part in its Sky Gardening Challenge.

Launching today (April 23), the initiative encourages people to sow seeds, fill pots, or install window boxes to benefit both wildlife and their own mental health.

Following a successful pilot in Greater Manchester last year, the campaign is now expanding nationally. 

Research from the University of Manchester suggests there could be more than 430,000 balconies across England and Wales, covering an area equivalent to roughly 250 football pitches, representing a significant untapped opportunity for urban green space.

Why it matters for nature

Planting flowers in these elevated spaces could support millions of pollinators, including bees, butterflies and beetles, which play a vital role in the ecosystem by providing food for other creatures and pollinating plants.

Director-General of the National Trust, Hilary McGrady, said: “Nature has mattered to the National Trust right from the start. 

“Our founder Octavia Hill campaigned to protect green spaces, especially for people living in cities. 

“That’s why I’m really happy that we’re rolling out the Sky Gardening Challenge nationally this year.”

Advice from a high-rise gardening pioneer

The Trust is working with award-winning balcony gardener Jason Williams, known as The Cloud Gardener, who began transforming his 18th-floor Manchester balcony during lockdown.

“Access to nature is great for our mental and physical health,” Williams said.

“Since planting my first marigold, it has led to a new career. I’m so pleased to be working with the National Trust on this challenge.”

How to get involved

Free workshops will be held at locations including Druids Heath and the National Trust’s Back to Backs in Birmingham.

Residents can sign up at nationaltrust.org.uk/sky-gardening-challenge to receive a free handbook, seeds and a newsletter, with a competition launching in June and a celebration event in October.