ABOUT US
As a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, the people of Shaftesbury decided to create a series of accessible snowdrop walks for all to enjoy. The legacy was created by planting hundreds of thousands of snowdrops within the publicly open green spaces and along the pathways throughout the town.
From this community-spirited act grew Shaftesbury Snowdrops, an entirely volunteer-run group that sustains that legacy, planning, organising and funding plantings across the town as well as the Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival each February. The focus has expanded from the original single study, sale and social day, although galanthophiles from around the world (we have had visitors from as far and wide as Japan and the United States) descend on Shaftesbury each year to swap knowledge and Galanthus. Now it includes a lantern parade, workshops, walks, markets, church services and more events for all ages and levels of snowdrop appreciation
Our Mission: EDUCATE
The more you know, the more you grow. So we are committed to dispersing knowledge and skills through education. We host a Study Day and workshops for just that reason. It’s also why we post, blog and teach.
Our Mission: Celebrate
Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival is renowned beyond the borders of county and country. Each year, we attract thousands of visitors into town in the dreariest month to celebrate a single flower, the season it heralds, and our ancient town.
Our Mission: Share
Since 2013, we’ve been committed to sharing snowdrops, whether it’s tips and tricks, best places to see them in flower, or spreading public plantings through our hilltop town. Each year, we widen the community we share snowdrops with, bringing the diversity and inclusion we wish to see to our doorstep.