Around 100 people gathered at the Punjab Community Centre as Green Shelter hosted its latest Seed Swap, bringing together residents from different cultures to promote sustainable gardening and community connection.
Founded in Swindon in 2021, the charity focuses on connecting communities through environmentally friendly growing. Its message is simple, that everyone, whether they have a balcony, a small garden or an allotment, should have the opportunity to grow fresh produce and flowers. After holding events in cities including Birmingham, London and Manchester, the organisation returned to Swindon, where it first began.
Guests exchanged a wide variety of seeds, donated to support the charity’s work, and shared practical advice on how to create greener spaces at home. Mayor Fay Howard attended the event and, after selecting a packet of sunflower seeds, praised the initiative.
“I think it’s amazing. They will help people learn to garden and help people who can’t use their garden to make it better and more accessible,” she said.
She added that one of Swindon Borough Council’s aims is to “make Swindon greener” and to continue having conversations about how to encourage more planting and community involvement.
A key focus of Green Shelter’s work is engaging the Bangladeshi community through its Bangladeshi Gardening Society, using gardening as a way to strengthen intergenerational and cultural ties. Sayed Shumon, representing the organisation, said:
“We are especially looking at the Bangladeshi community, as we want to give a common platform for them to stay connected in the future and carry forward some of the cultural things.”
The afternoon also featured a cultural programme, with children performing traditional Bangladeshi dances and songs, alongside stalls selling saris and jewellery. The hall was filled with music, conversation and shared learning, as families swapped seeds and gardening tips in a festive, welcoming atmosphere.
The Mayor herself purchased and wore a sari during the event, reflecting the strong sense of cultural celebration woven through the day.
