New Stories From 'Urban Agriculture Notes'
Random header image... Refresh for more!

UK: Gardeners – Watch Your Back! 2021

The Watch Your Back! sun protection campaign for gardeners was launched in 2016 by the Melanoma Fund.

We raise awareness of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer to those who love being out in their garden or any other outdoor space . Although we are all vulnerable to the effects of the sun, it’s those who spend a lot of time outdoors without sun protection, and avoid checking their skin for change, that are most at risk.

This year, with many millions more taking to their gardens and balconies following the COVID-19 outbreak, it is even more important that we raise awareness of the damaging effects of too much sun, and the proven link with skin cancer. With 540 new cases diagnosed every day, this disease stops for no virus, and so neither will we.

Our focus will again be on the importance of avoiding sunburn, due to its direct link with melanoma. As well as promoting awareness in garden centres, we offer helpful tips, facts and advice from how and why to apply sunscreen, how to check skin regularly and what to look out for.

Watch Your Back! is supported by 9 of the UK’s top gardeners, partnered with three leading horticultural organisations and has the agreed support of over 360 major garden centres, so we must be doing something right! All we now need is your support (the most important thing) and you can do this by simply acting on and sharing our advice.

Link.