Our Social Enterprise From 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, Buzzing Roots CIC continued to strengthen and expand its role as a community-led social enterprise, delivering a portfolio of creative, environmental, heritage, and wellbeing projects across Leicester, Leicestershire, and the wider East Midlands. During this period, Buzzing Roots focused on consolidating long-term programmes, developing community infrastructure, and deepening partnerships to ensure sustainable benefit for the communities we serve. Throughout the year, Buzzing Roots delivered and developed multiple community-based programmes including the ongoing Music Roots, Heritage Roots, and Community Roots Outdoor Green HUB programmes, alongside targeted outreach, environmental improvement projects, and pilot initiatives responding to emerging community needs. Collectively, these activities reached and directly engaged over 1,200 children, young people, adults, families, and community members, with additional indirect benefit through improved community spaces and local infrastructure. This year marked a significant phase of consolidation and growth following the implementation of our Business Plan 2022–2025. Our focus shifted towards strengthening existing programmes, testing sustainable delivery models, and embedding long-term use of community assets. By investing in physical infrastructure, volunteer development, and partnership working, Buzzing Roots has continued to build resilience both within the organisation and the communities we support. Buzzing Roots is a Community Interest Company working with communities based in the East Midlands and the National Forest area. Our mission remains to support communities to use creativity, culture, and the built environment as tools to make a positive impact on their lives and the lives of others. We consider art, nature, music, and heritage as positive tools for change-helping people to Enjoy improved health and quality of life Build confidence and develop new skills Reduce isolation and strengthen social connections Re-engage with learning, volunteering, or pathways to work Take pride in their local environment and cultural identity Shape more sustainable and inclusive futures for their communities By working with adults, young people, families, creative practitioners, environmental specialists, cultural organisations, local authorities, and community partners, we continue to support people and places to flourish. Funding and Future Focus During this period, Buzzing Roots was supported by a range of funders including Arts Council England, National Lottery, Braunstone Town Council, Blaby District Council, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, Hubb Foundation, Severn Trent Community Fund, EMT, and Leicestershire County Council. This support enabled us not only to deliver programmes, but also to invest in infrastructure and capacity that will benefit communities well beyond the life of individual projects. Looking ahead, our key focus will be on Increasing income from Institutional, Trust, and Foundation grant funding Developing and delivering year-long and multi-year projects to ensure sustainability Further strengthening community assets, volunteer pathways, and earned-income opportunities We recognise that strong and sustainable financial foundations are essential for the continued success of our CIC. By combining long-term programme delivery with infrastructure investment and partnership development, Buzzing Roots aims to continue enriching, empowering, and supporting communities for years to come. Our Impact During this reporting period, Buzzing Roots delivered meaningful social, cultural, and environmental impact through a combination of creative engagement, infrastructure development, and community-led action. Buzzing Roots has impacted communities by Continuing the development of the Music Roots programme, supported through the Trailblazer project, engaging 57 participants in creative music activity that supports wellbeing, confidence, and skills development. Sustaining and expanding our Community Garden Programme, with support from Braunstone Town Council, enabling us to cover essential fuel costs for the Community Fridge and reach 100 local residents at The Green Space with access to food support and community activity. Advancing the long-term development of The Green Space, supported by Blaby District Council Green Capital Grant, through the construction of an eco-toilet to improve accessibility and sustainability of the site. Delivering site improvements funded by Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, including ground levelling and the delivery of a volunteer programme that supports the ongoing operation of the Community Fridge and wider community use of the space. Working with Hubb Foundation to build decking and a designated covered roof area, ensuring that the Community Fridge and outdoor activities can continue in all weather conditions. Successfully piloting a Ukrainian Support Programme, supported by Leicestershire County Council, welcoming 79 people to The Green Space on a particularly challenging weather day, demonstrating the value of improved infrastructure and responsive programming. Hosting Take It Outside, supported by Hubb Foundation, engaging 47 participants in outdoor creative and wellbeing activity. Improving a previously neglected pond area with support from Severn Trent Community Fund, combining environmental improvement with outreach and education, reaching 478 participants through learning and engagement activities. Continuing the Heritage Roots programme, supported by EMT, engaging 374 participants in heritage-based creative exploration and strengthening local cultural identity. Developing the Wheatland Road Community Garden, engaging 27 young people aged 10 plus in environmental learning, teamwork, and practical skills development. Delivering Sounds & Shades, supported by Arts Council England, engaging an additional 36 participants during summer 2025 through creative and cultural activity linked to place and identity. Our work during this year has placed strong emphasis on practical participation, volunteering, and shared ownership of community spaces. Relationships with individuals and communities are rooted in respect for lived experience, culture, and local knowledge. We actively reject deficit-based approaches, choosing instead to build on strengths, creativity, and ambition already present within communities. By involving people in hands-on activities-such as gardening, creative workshops, music-making, heritage exploration, and volunteering-we continue to see higher levels of engagement, confidence, and community pride. Our approach supports communities to work collaboratively with local authorities, funders, and cultural organisations, fostering more positive narratives and long-term social cohesion.

During the period 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, Buzzing Roots stakeholders included local people living and working in communities across Leicester, Leicestershire, and the National Forest area. This included children, young people, adults, families, volunteers, grassroots organisations, freelance artists and environmental specialists, local councillors, local authorities, funders, and delivery partners. Consultation methods Consultation is embedded across all Buzzing Roots activity. Prior to applying for funding and throughout project delivery, we consulted with community members and partners to ensure projects responded to identified local needs. Consultation took place through informal conversations at activities, feedback gathered during workshops and events, volunteer meetings, partner discussions, and ongoing online engagement, including monthly online gatherings for people living and working in Braunstone Town. Consultation data gathered in previous years continued to inform delivery in 2024-2025, enabling programmes to develop in response to long-term community priorities rather than short-term intervention. Stakeholder involvement and decision-making Buzzing Roots operates with, by, and for local people. Community members were involved in shaping project design, delivery, and use of community spaces, including The Green Space, Music Roots, and Heritage Roots programmes. Stakeholder insight informed decisions around accessibility, timing, and activity types, and helped shape responsive initiatives such as the Ukrainian Support Programme pilot and outdoor community events. Partnerships and volunteering Our multi-agency approach supports coordinated referrals and responsive delivery. Feedback highlighted the importance of volunteering and skills development, leading to the continued expansion of volunteer pathways. During this period, Buzzing Roots worked with 21 volunteers and placements, supporting skills development, employability, and progression into the arts, environmental, and community sectors. Response to stakeholder feedback Stakeholder feedback directly influenced service delivery. In response, Buzzing Roots invested in infrastructure improvements, strengthened volunteer-led activity, improved accessibility and resilience of community spaces, and prioritised long-term, sustainable programmes. This approach ensured our work remained relevant, inclusive, and aligned with community needs, supporting stronger social cohesion and community ownership.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration