Media Release: 25th January 2022

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is delighted to announce the launch of its ‘Blossoming and Blooming’ Open Gardens initiative.

‘Blossoming and Blooming’ is the charity’s latest fundraising initiative, which asks people to show their support by opening their gardens to members of the public between June and September this year. The aim of the campaign is to bring local communities across Dorset and Somerset together, to celebrate the wonderful gardens spread across both counties, whilst raising awareness and funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. No matter the size of the garden or whether they are pristine or wild, the charity is inviting everyone to get involved.

Whether people decide to simply open their gardens to members of the public, or have a cream tea or BBQ alongside, the initiative provides a fantastic opportunity for people to hold a special event within their local community in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. The life-saving charity receives no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and relies on the generosity of the public to help raise their operational costs of over £5 million per year. Community fundraising initiatives like ‘Blossoming and Blooming’ play a vital role in helping to do this.

Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager said:

“We believe that spending time outdoors with nature is essential for our health and wellbeing. That is why we are asking people to open their gates, share the love of their garden, whilst raising funds for us. You could host a picnic, serve tea on the lawn or just keep it simple and let people sit or potter at their leisure. Whatever you decide to do, ‘Blossoming and Blooming’ will raise essential funds and awareness of our life-saving work within your local community. We have always had wonderful supporters who have opened their gardens in the past and we hope that others will do the same. With our new ‘Blossoming and Blooming’ initiative, we will be able to fully support these generous people, by providing all that they need for the day, so it can be a positively 'Blossoming and Blooming’ success!”

To register your interest in taking part, fill in this form, and we will be in touch to let you know more.

The ‘Blossoming and Blooming’ initiative will run until 30th September 2022.