Shakespeare Week, organised annually by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, is a national celebration that introduces primary school children to the life, works, and heritage of William Shakespeare. In 2015, over 300 children from schools across Stratford-upon-Avon participated in a special woodland planting project at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, where they planted 1,000 bluebells.
John Chambers Wildflower Seed was proud to support this initiative, supplying the bluebell bulbs and donating gardening equipment for the children to use.
Supporting Education and Heritage
Shakespeare Week encourages schools, children, and families to explore local arts and heritage sites, connecting with Shakespeare’s legacy in a hands-on, creative way. In 2015, nearly one million children across the UK took part in the celebrations.
Scott Boyden, Gardens Manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said:
“We ordered the bluebell bulbs from John Chambers Wildflower Seed and were thrilled when they also offered some gardening equipment for the children. It was wonderful to see them having fun while learning and helping to preserve the gardens at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage for future generations.”
John Chambers Wildflower Seed spokesperson commented:
“We are involved in many community projects and are always delighted when children have the chance to engage with nature. Initiatives like this inspire the gardeners of the future. Wildflowers are quintessentially British, which fits beautifully with Shakespeare’s legacy.”
Volunteering and Community Engagement
Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, helping to enhance visitor experiences and maintain heritage gardens. Projects like this not only teach children about gardening and ecology but also foster an early appreciation for conservation and local biodiversity.
For more information on volunteering with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, visit www.shakespeare.org.uk or email volunteering@shakespeare.org.uk.
John Chambers Wildflower Seed’s support of Shakespeare Week demonstrates the power of combining heritage, education, and biodiversity. By providing native bulbs and gardening resources, we help children engage with nature, learn about British wildflowers, and contribute to preserving historic gardens for generations to come.
