Local community fundraiser reaches £1000 milestone
Earth Trust is delighted to celebrate the inspiring efforts of Bib Pike, a local professor and enthusiastic amateur gardener, whose plant stall has raised over £1,000 for the charity since it opened last October. Nestled along the scenic river near Wallingford, Bib’s stall has blossomed into a vibrant community hub, attracting nature lovers, gardeners, and local residents alike.
Bib, who serves as a professor and Head of the Institute of Sport at a nearby university, has a deep passion for inclusion, diversity, and the natural world. Her plant stall is a true reflection of these values, offering much more than just an opportunity to purchase plants. It has become a space where people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature, each other, and their community.
“The beauty of Bib’s stall lies not only in the variety of plants she lovingly nurtures but also in the sense of community it fosters,” says Lindsey Bassett, Individual Giving Manager at Earth Trust. “With a bench placed nearby to overlook the river, Bib has created a welcoming spot for everyone, including those with mobility challenges, to take a moment, enjoy the outdoors, and engage in meaningful conversations, which perfectly reflects the Earth Trust ethos.”
Since its inception, Bib’s stall has become increasingly well-known in the local area, with many drawn to the idea of combining a love for gardening with a commitment to supporting conservation. The funds raised through the sale of her plants directly contribute to Earth Trust’s mission to care for and engage communities in our natural spaces in Oxfordshire and beyond.
Through her stall, Bib has enabled countless individuals to find joy, solace, and a sense of purpose in caring for plants and each other.
“I started the stall to share my love of gardening and to support a cause close to my heart,” says Bib Pike. “But it’s become something much more. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, where we can all connect with nature, stay active, and build a community that cares.”
“It’s been really nice getting to know more about the work that Earth Trust does, which absolutely fits with my ethos. I’ve always worked in physical activity in the outdoors and I’m passionate about public access to green spaces. So just knowing that I’m making a very small contribution to supporting Earth Trust’s work, and also raising awareness of what Earth Trust does, is really rewarding.”
Earth Trust is proud to have Bib as part of our community of supporters, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone and consider how you might contribute to Earth Trust’s mission. Whether it’s through purchasing a plant from Bib’s stall, volunteering, or setting up your own fundraising activity, your support helps us continue our work to nurture and champion access to our precious natural spaces.