Community Learning Programme

Learn more about Kew's science, history and horticulture through our community learning programmes.

Knitting workshop

From creative writing to music making and knitting, we offer a range of accessible opportunities for you to learn more about our science, history and horticulture. 

Our Community Learning Programme is open to groups and individuals who are members of the Community Access Scheme (CAS) at Kew Gardens, and those who might otherwise face physical, sensory, psychological or social barriers to visiting Kew. 

All sessions are free, and do not require any equipment or previous experience. If you would like to join a session, please email communitylearning@kew.org.

Community learning activities

Join in with our fun and welcoming activities.

  • Knitting workshop

    Knitting nature

    Learn about Kew's science and rare plants through a fun and friendly knit and natter group. All ability levels welcome and materials will be provided.

    Build on your knitting skills with our online knitting activities
  • Plant poets corner

    Plant poets' corner

    Join us to learn about Kew's rare and endangered plants and discover new ways to express yourself through poetry and creative writing.

    No experience is needed, and all abilities are welcome.

    You can also discover some of our poetry activities online.
  • Wind chimes, seasonal sounds

    Seasonal sounds

    Learn about Kew's rare and endangered plants and musical styles from around the world. Take part in hands-on learning activities and explore the wellbeing benefits of collective music making. All abilities welcome, no musical experience necessary. 

    These sessions are for organisations/charities that focus on illness, recovery support and mental health.  

  • Hands compiling a dried plant (herbarium) specimen

    Nature journalling

    Creatively connect to the natural world and explore Kew through our new workshops. You will learn about rare and endangered plants and be gently guided through arts activities to document your observations in the Gardens. 

    Sessions are free of charge, including materials, and all abilities are welcome - booking is essential. 

  • Botanical illustration of a plant with large red flowers and palmate leaves on a branch

    Indian art: Community consultation

    Have your say in future exhibitions at Kew. 

    We're on the lookout for community groups to take part in consultations for an exciting new exhibition, sharing the previously unseen work of Indian botanic artists.

    Let us know if you're interested in taking part by completing the form below – we'd love to hear your thoughts! 

    Register your interest

Activities for group leaders

  • CPD planting seeds

    Community Group Leader Training

    As part of the Community Access Scheme (CAS), we offer a range of community training opportunities to help group leaders develop the skills, confidence, and resources needed to bring groups to Kew. 

    Our next session will be on Wednesday 14th February from 8:30am to 10am, based on the Orchid festival. Kew’s Horticulture team will be supporting an exclusive tour of the festival in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, before the Gardens are open to the public. You’ll learn about the displays and get logistical advice to help you plan your group’s visit.

    Feedback from previous sessions:

    “Since participating in the training provided by Kew, I am much more confident in leading Groups around the site”  “I thoroughly enjoyed the session, thank you for organising it. Really helps me navigate my way through the gardens.” 

    Book your free place
    Sign up to hear about future sessions
  • Two white women and one black woman are facilitating a workshop in a covered outdoor setting. The two white women hold up a large piece of white paper with writing on while the black woman speaks and gestures.

    Community Connectors

    We're recruiting!

    Community Connectors are individuals who work in or with community groups and are interested in helping us develop our learning opportunities and resources. They represent various sectors of the community and assist our team as volunteer advisors.   

    We have quarterly meetings at Kew, providing a forum for networking, feedback, and informing what we do in the Gardens. All members are eligible for free CAS membership for their group. 

    Interested in becoming a Community Connector?

    Fill out our expression of interest form

Get involved

If you are interested in volunteering for the Community Learning programme, please contact Communitylearning@kew.org

Get in touch to book 

For more information and to book one of our activities please email us at communitylearning@kew.org.

If you would like to get involved in our Community Learning Programme, but are not currently a member of the Community Access Scheme at Kew Gardens, please get in touch.

All our activities are subject to our Community and Families booking Terms and Conditions

Two women gardening

Read Kew's Outreach Strategy

Find out how we are connecting and engaging communities to protect nature, together.

Discover more