Up The Garden Bath, a pioneering not-for-profit organisation dedicated to sustainability and community-based education, is proud to announce that they have been invited to Buckingham Palace on 14th May 2025 to meet His Majesty King Charles III. This prestigious honour recognises their outstanding contribution to the educational sector and their continued efforts to transform lives through learning and community engagement.

Representing the organisation at this royal event will be Co-founder Dave Poulton and his daughter Sienna Hayes-Palmer, a passionate advocate and active participant in many of the organisation’s community-led initiatives.

“We are incredibly humbled and honoured to receive this recognition from His Majesty,” said Co-founder Kez Hayes-Palmer. “Everything we do, from our school projects to the UNITY shop, is rooted in a belief that education and creativity can bring people together and spark real, lasting change. To have this work acknowledged at such a level is truly inspiring.”

Up The Garden Bath is best known for its innovative approach to upcycling old bathtubs into educational garden planters, now installed in schools, care homes, and community spaces across Cambridgeshire. These planters provide hands-on learning experiences that promote sustainability, mental wellbeing, and environmental awareness among children and adults alike.

Their success has also been amplified by the UNITY project, a vibrant community retail hub located in Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough. UNITY has helped generate over £600,000 for local small businesses, crafters, and makers, while 15,000 people of various ages and abilities have accessed their free “Create & Craft” zone where anyone can drop in to learn new skills, connect with others, and grow creatively. UNITY has quickly become a beacon of community spirit, innovation, and collaboration.

Dave Poulton from Up The Garden Bath said “ It's amazing to think that an idea to upcycle old bathtubs has grown into such a wonderful community driven project. We have positively impacted thousands of people and we just want to unite the city and make Peterborough a better place to live. This invitation from King Charles serves as a powerful affirmation of Up The Garden Bath’s mission and the positive impact it continues to have on people’s lives” 

For more information, event details or to get involved, please visit www.upthegardenbath.co.uk or contact info@upthegardenbath.co.uk