National Trust Sky Gardening challenge brings nature to the city 

The balconies and window boxes of Greater Manchester are about to get a major green makeover thanks to the National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge.

This exciting initiative, which has just launched, invites urban dwellers to embrace gardening in small spaces, turning their balconies into mini wildlife havens and boosting their own well-being in the process.

Sign ups are open until the end of July, and participants will be celebrated at a special event in September.

National Trust’s Sky Gardening Challenge

Following a successful pilot last year, which worked with five different flat blocks in partnership with housing associations, the National Trust is rolling out the initiative to the wider public. 

The goal? To inspire thousands to transform their outdoor spaces, no matter how small, and connect more deeply with nature in an urban setting.

The power of gardening

It’s easy to underestimate the potential of a single balcony garden, but the research tells a different story.

 “The University of Manchester found that all the balconies in Greater Manchester combined cover an area larger than 33 football pitches,” said Tor Emms, Project Manager for the Sky Gardening Challenge. 

“If just a quarter of those were greened, we could create enough green space to support 1.4 million ‘pollinator visits’. That’s massive!”

Beyond the environmental impact, Tor highlighted the personal benefits: “Nature is crucial for our mental and physical health. Just having a few plants can transform your space into a little retreat, offering a place to unwind, breathe, and feel more connected to the world around you.

A gardening challenge anyone can get involved in

The Sky Gardening Challenge is designed to be accessible to all, from gardening pros to complete beginners. Participants who sign up through the National Trust’s website will receive a Sky Gardening Challenge guide filled with practical tips and inspiration. 

You can sign up to get involved by clicking here

Monthly newsletters will offer additional advice, while the challenge’s social media accounts (@NTSkyGardeningChallenge) will share expert tips, success stories, and motivation.

For those who like a little friendly competition, the challenge also includes a contest running from June 12th to the end of July. “The competition is optional, but it’s a fun way to showcase your space,” Tor said. “We’ve designed it so that absolutely anyone can take part. One of our favourite categories is ‘One Pot Power’: because sometimes, all it takes is a single pot to start your greening journey.”

Learning from last year’s pilot

Last year’s pilot project was a big success, with participants reporting increased well-being and a greater sense of connection to their outdoor spaces. The National Trust also used the pilot to gather insights from the University of Manchester about the project’s potential environmental benefits.

“What really stood out was the impact on people’s lives,” Emms explains. “Many participants told us how much they valued having even a small bit of green space in their homes. It really made a difference to their day-to-day happiness.”

Building on this, the National Trust is activating the project with housing associations again this year, offering workshops tailored to those living in apartment blocks. “Some workshops are open to everyone, while others are specifically for residents flats and apartments. The aim is to reach people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in gardening,” says Emms.

What did last year’s entrants say about the competition?

The impact of the Sky Gardening Challenge on last year’s participants went far beyond simply adding a few plants to their balconies. For many, the experience was transformative, turning their outdoor spaces into vibrant sanctuaries of peace, learning, and connection with nature.

One participant reflected on the profound effect their balcony garden had on their daily life: “The impact of our balcony garden extends beyond its small size. It serves as a peaceful retreat for us, offering a place to relax and reconnect with nature. We are lucky to be looking out to such a lush green space right outside our balcony.”

Another gardener shared the joy their small urban oasis has brought to not just themselves, but also their partner, and even their cat! “My balcony has brought so much joy to not only me, my partner, and my bird-loving cat, but also to anyone who comes to visit! It’s a lovely space to sit with a morning cuppa or to eat dinner in the evening. I’ve had visits from human friends but also other friends like blue tits, pigeons, bees (welcome), wasps (less welcome), aphids (even less welcome) and spiders galore which I have to remind myself is a good thing. Overall, it’s been such an education and a real eye-opener for me, and I can’t wait to keep learning.”

For many, the challenge was not just about aesthetics, but about maximizing space and creating a functional green escape. One participant described their approach: “I’ve tried to fill my balcony with as much organic life as possible! It’s a small, south-facing balcony, so I’ve used a range of plants that cope in this environment. I’ve tried to create space for vertical growth for climbers and create a frame for flowers by using trellises. This provides me with privacy and shelter and creates a cosy vibe. I’ve also used alpines on the outer face, with some DIY planters that I’ve fixed onto the balcony, to create a natural border that doesn’t take up any more of my limited space. I’ve finished off with some bright annuals and strawberries in hanging planters hung from the front face, which get a lot of sun and help attract pollinators and birds. Top it off with some solar fairy lights and I’ve got myself a little calm, colourful oasis in the city.”

For some, the competition served as a much-needed motivation to revive their neglected spaces. “I’m really glad I saw the poster for the Sky Challenge competition this year, it gave me the kickstart I needed to revamp my space. Last year I’d let it overgrow, lost one of my rose bushes and almost lost a couple of herbs. I think just having that project to work towards has reignited my love of gardening.”

Beyond the personal benefits, participants also enjoyed the practical rewards of homegrown produce. One winner shared: “The bonus on top of having a lovely green space to spend time on, is that I’ve got a selection of fruit and veg to eat! Although I’ve probably spent more growing them than if I’d just bought the same veg, but it’s 100% worth it.”

More than just pretty plants

Beyond the aesthetics, the challenge is about making a tangible environmental difference. By incorporating advice from experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the National Trust ensures that participants are not only growing beautiful plants but also creating habitats for pollinators and birds.

“It’s about balance,” Emms said. “We want people to have flowers that attract bees, plants that provide shelter for birds, and greenery that absorbs carbon. Every little balcony can be a part of something much bigger.”

Looking ahead, the National Trust hopes the Sky Gardening Challenge will inspire lasting change. “We’re hoping this project shifts how people see urban nature,” said Tor. 

“If we can get people excited about greening their balconies, who knows where that enthusiasm could lead? More green balconies, better-designed urban spaces, and a community that values nature at every level.”

Creating an equal playing field

Tor added: “People often associate the National Trust with the conservation of historic houses, parks, and gardens, which is, of course, a crucial part of our work. Equally important, though, is our commitment to ensuring access to nature, which we believe is vital. 

“We did some strategic mapping of Greater Manchester, looking at areas with unequal access to nature, particularly in places with high-density housing, to help us understand where the impact of activating this project would be most beneficial.

“The locations where we’ve activated workshops are based on that research, aiming to address the issue of unequal access to nature.

“This focus is especially important for the organisation both now and in the future, particularly in urban settings. Anything we can do to help this, we will!” 

So whether you have a tiny balcony, a single window box, or a sprawling terrace, the Sky Gardening Challenge invites you to join in. 

Sign up, grab a plant, and be part of something that’s making Manchester greener, one pot at a time.

For more details, visit the National Trust website or follow @NTSkyGardeningChallenge on Instagram or Facebook