A garden centre has pledged a year of support for unpaid carers.

Hartwell Nurseries has named Carers Bucks as its Charity of the Year for 2026, launching a year-long partnership to raise funds and awareness for unpaid carers of all ages across the county.

The decision was inspired by the garden centre’s own experience with visitors.

Neil Bowness, director at Hartwell Nurseries, said: "The team and I are incredibly proud to be supporting Carers Bucks as our Charity of the Year.

"We see many carers coming through our doors, some are regulars, and we see just how much they give of themselves to those they are caring for.

"Supporting a charity that exists to support them feels like the right thing to do.

"We’re excited to work together over the coming year and to help highlight the amazing work Carers Bucks does for those in our community."

Throughout the year, Hartwell Nurseries will host a series of fundraising events and activities, encouraging staff, customers and the wider community to get involved.

The aim is to raise both funds and awareness for the invaluable work Carers Bucks carries out across the county.

Carers Bucks is a vital local charity providing support, guidance and services to unpaid carers of all ages within Buckinghamshire, helping them maintain their wellbeing while caring for loved ones.

Karen Irons, CEO of Carers Bucks, said: "For unpaid carers, moments of rest are not a luxury, they are essential to managing their role.

"Time spent in green spaces and fresh air can be deeply restorative, offering a chance to pause and reset.

"This partnership with Hartwell Nurseries creates a welcoming environment where carers can step away from daily pressures and feel valued, as well as an opportunity for us to deliver new events.

"We’re incredibly grateful to the Hartwell team for their support of carers across Buckinghamshire."

The partnership is rooted in a shared understanding of the needs of carers, many of whom visit Hartwell Nurseries, often without recognition or a moment to pause.

Both organisations hope the collaboration will make a lasting difference.

Both organisations are enthusiastic about the year ahead and confident the partnership will have a positive and lasting impact, bringing together community and collaboration for a truly worthwhile cause.

The partnership aims to highlight the critical role played by unpaid carers, who often sacrifice their own wellbeing to care for loved ones.