About Rooted Connections
We're a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to restore the historic Walled Garden at Worden Park and create a thriving community space for everyone.
Our Story
From Vision to Reality
Rooted Connections was born from lived experience. We know first-hand the impact that nature, organic food, and social connection can have on our health and wellbeing. We wanted to create a space where others could experience these benefits too.
When we discovered the Walled Garden at Worden Park, overgrown but full of potential, we fell in love with it straight away. This Grade II listed garden, with its unique trapezoidal shape, Victorian glasshouses, and 250+ years of history, felt like the perfect place to make this vision a reality.
As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, every penny we raise goes directly into restoration, community programmes, and creating a space where people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature and each other.
What is a Community Interest Company?
A CIC is a special type of limited company that exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. Our "asset lock" ensures that all profits and assets are used for community purposes.
This structure gives us the flexibility of a business while guaranteeing that our work serves the public good. It means you can trust that we're here for the community, not for profit.
The People Behind Rooted Connections
Meet the Team
Our founding team brings together expertise in education, sustainability, community development, and horticulture.
Matt
Matt believes in the power of bringing people together. With a background spanning education, fitness, and the care sector, he understands how meaningful spaces and supportive communities can transform lives. He handles the partnerships, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps things moving.
Emily
Emily is passionate about supporting carers and people living with hidden disabilities, and believes in the power of non-pharmacological and herbal medicine approaches to wellbeing. With a background in design, she's focused on creating spaces where people can reconnect with nature.
Scott
Scott is all about doing things the right way for the planet. He's studied environmental science and loves nothing more than helping communities take pride in their green spaces. He'll be the one making sure our garden thrives for generations to come.
Victoria
Vic has soil under her fingernails and a passion for growing. After running an organic cafe and a community garden, she knows how food brings people together. She'll be leading our growing sessions and showing everyone that anyone can garden.
Who We're Here For
A Space for Everyone
We believe everyone deserves access to nature, community, and the healing power of green spaces.