Residents plant strawberries at Byron Court. Photo credit Nicola Perkins
Nextdoor Nature
Nextdoor Nature
Nextdoor Nature was a project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help create a nationwide, grassroots movement for nature to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. It was delivered by Wildlife Trusts across the UK from 2022 to 2024.
The goal was to support communities to connect to nature, however and wherever possible! Nextdoor Nature officers worked alongside people who wanted to take action for wildlife in their local area.
See more about what happened all over the country at a glance here.
Local Action
In Nottingham, Nextdoor Nature worked with 11 community groups, giving support tailored to the needs of each project. We focused on groups in Hyson Green, Basford and the Dales because these areas of Nottingham have the least access to public green space.
Some groups wanted to know how to make their patch more welcoming for wildlife, or how to encourage the local community to get involved. Others were focused on raising awareness of environmental issues, or holding wildlife workshops in their area. All of them were led by local people – the people who understand their communities best of all. Nextdoor Nature officers were there to listen and help bring their ideas to life.
Community organising
Community organising is all about empowering people to develop their skills and confidence to take action for themselves. Instead of a wildlife trust officer taking the lead as the ‘expert’, community organising encourages communities to take ownership of their project themselves, while offering the support they need to get started.
This means communities are able to take the right action for their own area, in their own way. We know that some communities are less likely to engage with environmental issues, and less likely to enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature. By listening to local concerns and encouraging grassroots action, not telling people what to do, NWT can be part of the solution! It’s all part of our work to create a Wilder Nottinghamshire.
Sneinton XR decorate upcycled plant pots. Photo credit Ruby Mucenieks
Partnerships
Partnerships with local projects were a key part of Nextdoor Nature. We had workshops delivered by STAA Allotments, wooden planters built by Men In Sheds, and donations of outdoor clothing and shoes from clothing charity Sharewear to make sure everyone could join in.
We linked up with the Wildlife Garden Project who created a fantastic series of ‘how-to’ videos for anyone looking to set up their own community gardening project.
Watch the first video here and meet some of the fantastic community members taking action for nature in Nottingham.
Get involved
Many of the projects supported by Nextdoor Nature are continuing their work – check the community groups map to see if there’s one near you.
Have an idea for a community wildlife project but not sure where to start? Our Wilder Nottinghamshire Officers are here to help! Contact us or join the Facebook group to find out more. And check the Wildlife Trusts Community Hub guides for loads of practical information.
