Serpentine Community Garden Society CIO
The Serpentine Community Garden Society CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Charity Number 1188016) is a nonprofit organisation based in Buxton, England, dedicated to horticultural education, sustainable food production, and community skill-building. Established in March 2015[4], the charity focuses on revitalising a historic plant nursery and greenhouse site originally used by Buxton Council since 1898 to cultivate plants for civic displays[2].

Mission and Activities
The organisation aims to transform the derelict Serpentine Nursery into a community resource for sustainable horticulture, providing formal and informal training in growing, preserving, and cooking food[3][4]. Its mission includes showcasing the full sustainable food cycle, from cultivation to waste management, while fostering community engagement through workshops and collaborative projects[3][5]. Key objectives include advancing public horticultural education and preserving Buxton’s horticultural heritage through partnerships with local history groups[1][3].

Governance
The charity operates under a trustee board, which as of 2023–2024 includes Simon Fussell (Chair), Madeline Hall (Treasurer), Pete Brown, Carole Garner, Derek Bodey, and Cath Birchall[5]. Financial accounts are prepared under the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities[3][5]. The CIO succeeded the Serpentine Community Farm CIC, adopting its community-driven governance model[5].

Site and History
The garden occupies a former Buxton Council plant nursery and depot, repurposed to create micro-environments for experimental growing techniques[3][4]. The site’s historical significance as a 19th-century horticultural hub underpins the charity’s emphasis on heritage conservation alongside modern sustainability practices[2][3].

Community Impact
The project supports local residents in developing horticultural skills, with an emphasis on organic and biodiverse cultivation methods[3][4]. Activities range from food-growing initiatives to educational programs addressing food insecurity and environmental stewardship[4][5]. The garden also serves as a venue for partnerships with schools, conservation groups, and cultural organisations[1][5].

[1] https://www.serpentinecommunitygarden.org/about/our-society [2] https://www.serpentinecommunitygarden.org/history/serpentine-community-garden-history-and-habitat [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search?p_p_id=uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=%2Faccounts-resource&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_objectiveId=A13899634&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_priv_r_p_mvcRenderCommandName=%2Ffull-print&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_priv_r_p_organisationNumber=5150848 [4] https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/org/public-profile/61189 [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search?p_p_id=uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet&p_p_lifecycle=2&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_mode=view&p_p_resource_id=%2Faccounts-resource&p_p_cacheability=cacheLevelPage&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_objectiveId=A15830419&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_priv_r_p_mvcRenderCommandName=%2Ffull-print&_uk_gov_ccew_onereg_charitydetails_web_portlet_CharityDetailsPortlet_priv_r_p_organisationNumber=5150848