In 2022, Afka registered Guardians of Nature as a not-for-profit CIC dedicated to positive mental health and creating lasting friendships through nature-based activities within Penwortham and, subsequently, throughout South Ribble. The CIC is very much Afka’s brainchild, rooted in personal experiences that encouraged her to salvage and renovate neglected green spaces for the betterment of the local community. At the heart of her approach is a desire to make a difference and a belief that, by working together, “together we grow”.

What started as a one-woman mission has grown to include a building manager, a treasurer, and team members leading on conservation, horticulture and events. Volunteers and beneficiaries from all walks of life support the CIC’s work, helping to maintain and revitalise public spaces across Penwortham and beyond. They describe themselves as a “nature-based, therapeutic horticulture outreach project,” convinced that “Mother Earth is our greatest therapist” and that through nature one “can heal and grow strength”.

At the Alderfield Allotment, Afka and her volunteers have regenerated a disused site and opened it on Wednesdays and Fridays. The allotment now attracts around fifty individuals, some of whom face challenges such as Asperger’s, OCD, anxiety or bereavement. The CIC also supports local residents and youth through “community education,” teaching them where produce comes from and how to grow their own food. Activities are designed to promote healthy living and mindfulness in a community where drug abuse, deprivation and neglect are evident.

The CIC is also transforming a dilapidated MUGA into the Woodland Nursery, complete with polytunnels and a classroom. The site has been cleared to provide full access to the elderly and disabled, so that everyone can learn about the environment. This project is planned to be fully operational by 2026.

Beyond Alderfield, Guardians of Nature oversee Green Croft Valley, home to the “wishing tree,” where volunteers cultivate plants and wildflowers to maintain woodlands, encourage wildlife, and provide a serene space for reflection. The CIC also supports the Mini Waste Warriors, local children who take pride in helping maintain the allotments and green spaces.

Further afield, the CIC oversees the White Ribbon Garden at Kingsfold, a space of reflection connected to the White Ribbon Charity, which seeks to challenge long-standing behaviours and attitudes around masculinity that perpetuate gender inequality and men’s violence against women. Plans are also in development to refurbish the Pumpkin Patch nearby, restoring a neglected allotment plot and orchard for community use.

A singular strength of the CIC is the friendships and support networks formed through their activities. Volunteers, users, and beneficiaries connect through WhatsApp groups and shared work, helping alleviate challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief and worry. Afka described one example of a 27-year-old participant with Asperger’s, who initially struggled to communicate but, through involvement with Guardians of Nature, gained enough confidence to attend Myerscough College.

Like many community projects, running and development costs are a constant challenge. The CIC is extremely frugal with any funds or grants it receives.

As the organisation expands, managing all aspects of the CIC becomes increasingly difficult. Software like Better Impact helps coordinate volunteers, donors and clients, but rising demand places further strain on the team. The CIC also faces obstacles such as securing extended leases, which would make accessing funding from donors easier.

Participants supported by Guardians of Nature face a variety of challenges, including illness, bereavement, mental health difficulties, social isolation, deprivation and domestic abuse.

Afka and her team would value closer links and clearer communication with the Community Foundation. Support with funding bids would be particularly appreciated, as this can be a daunting process. The CIC’s openness, commitment and impact highlight how much more can be achieved with support from funders and partners.