Kew is inviting community groups and individuals who face barriers in visiting to sign up for this year's Community Open Week - providing free taster sessions of Kew's Community Access and Learning Programmes.

The aim of Kew's Community Open Week is to invite communities to learn more about Kew Gardens and its Community Access and Learning Programmes it says.

Now in its fifth year, Kew's Community Open Week has previously welcomed over 10,000 people for free, learning about Kew's science and conversation work, through hands on activities.

Running from 22 to 26 May at Kew Gardens, this year's theme is Networks, featuring workshops, talks, and games across five days.

Konnie Huq, Kew Ambassador and TV presenter said: "It is so important that everyone feels welcome at Kew and has access to nature. The creativity I see in the sessions they run and the way they ensure everyone is comfortable and can access the space is really world class, I hope more people get to experience the magic of Kew through the Community Access Scheme this year." 

Last year, Kew's Community and Access Learning Programmes reached 22,860 individuals through practical activities (credit: Ollie G. Monk).

This year's events include:

• Talk on the amazing mycelium network, a hidden world of fungi under our feet. 
• Fun games and activities to learn about the incredible world of plants, developed by Kew Science students.
• Kew community exhibition, highlighting artwork created by Kew's regular programme participants.
• A giant community artwork which will grow before your eyes. Led by artist Maraid Mcewan, this participatory activity will explore networks, nature, and creativity.
• Explore the amazing world of soil. Play with different textures and learn about the processes that make the ground beneath us so special.
• A short grounding meditation and forest bathing.
• British Sign Language tours.
• Guided sensory tours for those with a visual impairment, dementia or who are neurodiverse.
• Lino printing.
• Comic book workshop with Kew's Youth Forum – join their pursuit to design a biodiversity themed comic book.

One of the people who attended Community Open Week in 2023 from Future Gardeners (Bankside Open Spaces Trust) and The Sisterhood Supperclub Collective said: "The days we attended were so welcoming with the staff being so friendly and there were activities for all ages and interests! 

"The feedback from the day has been incredible with so many of our students, volunteers, and members of our community groups (many who have never visited Kew Garden's before) saying what a wonderful time they had and that they will return in the Summer!"

Kew Gardens say the Thursday, 23 May event is designed for visitors who need a calmer environment and for those who are planning to attend specific activities due to accessibility requirements.

All events are open to community groups new to Kew Gardens and existing Community Access Scheme members.

There is no pre-booking required for the activities, but the activities are subject to availability.

To find out more and to sign up, visit Kew Gardens' website here.

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