A report has revealed the striking results of a National Lottery Heritage Fund £5 million Nextdoor Nature programme which enabled The Wildlife Trusts to work with communities across the UK for two years. The programme originally intended to reach 200 communities – but instead exceeded that 8 times over, reaching more than 1,600.
At a time when a recent UK Government evaluation of green prescribing showed that connections to nature can bring about big reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression, and impressive improvements in well-being, the benefits of the Nextdoor Nature programme for people are significant. Extraordinary transformations have taken place across the country over the last two years in communities that have been traditionally or historically excluded from making decisions about nature and the environment in their local areas. The benefits of nature connectedness have never been better appreciated.
Nextdoor Nature has given people the skills, tools and opportunity to take action for nature. The projects have included working with Roma communities in East Belfast to support wildlife gardening, linking local schools with rare bird reintroduction schemes in Kent, rewilding Derby town centre and a nature-friendly faith space in Slough. Nextdoor Nature’s legacy will live on beyond the end of the funding so that local communities can continue the work using their new skills and contacts.
95 per cent of the participants in the Nextdoor Nature programme said that as a direct result of the project, there is now greater collaborative working between residents, local organisations and groups, and 82 per cent feel there is now greater decision-making about wildlife in the hands of local people.
Nikki Williams, Director Campaigning and Communities at The Wildlife Trusts said, “We’re over the moon about the success of this programme, and humbled by the astonishing change that communities have achieved across the UK. When communities are supported to make a difference for nature, creative things happen, connecting nature and people together. We’re especially excited by the knowledge that these changes form part of a sustainable legacy as more people become inspired to take action for nature where they live. The Wildlife Trusts are committed to bringing communities to the heart of decision-making. This has tangible and ongoing benefits to wildlife, nature and people.”
Many participants said that the project gave them a purpose and increased their sense of community. Engaging in collective efforts to improve local nature made them feel like they were part of something bigger, contributing to a common goal and enhancing their pride in their local area. “It gives me purpose and a ‘joyous boost’, it has increased my sense of community,” said one participant. “It has contributed to a sense of purpose and belonging,” said another.