DORSET and Somerset Air Ambulance are back with their ‘Open Gardens’ initiative this year.

The initiave runs annually and is back this time with a Spring/Summer theme taking place from April to September and an autumn/winter theme taking place from October to March.

The charity’s Open Gardens initiative aims 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.

The charity is inviting everyone to get involved and to spend time outdoors, as a great way to promote health and well-being within their local community.

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.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance 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 ‘Open Gardens’ play a vital role in helping to raise these funds, so the charity is hoping that members of the public will once again show their support, by opening their garden in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance fundraising manager said: “We are delighted to be running our Open Gardens initiative for the second year in a row and would love people to support us by opening their garden to raise funds and awareness for our life-saving service.

“You could host a picnic, serve tea on the lawn or just keep it simple and let people sit or potter at their leisure. If you have neighbours that might like to showcase their gardens on the same day, then why not organise a village opening to bring people together and showcase your local community."

To find out more information or to sign up, please visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/opengardens