Picture the scene: you walk through a bustling pub serving local ales to smiling faces. In the back corner you see a “Welcome” sign, leading you into a private area. You enter to find a large warehouse-style space adorned with wildlife decorations – vibrant hand painted snails, delicate designs on wooden bird boxes, neon nature action posters, flower bunting. There is an energetic buzz in the air filled with chatter from like-minded people who have traveled from across the county to be here.  Each person has stood up for nature at a time when it’s most needed and now it’s time to celebrate all their hard work! 

That’s what our Wilder Nottinghamshire Networking Celebration - Welcoming Nextdoor Nature event was all about on the evening of Saturday 19th October. The  Nextdoor Nature project funding may be coming to an end, but the Wilder Nottinghamshire Network welcomed these community groups with arms open wide.

Dr Linda Birkin (an entomologist who specialises in citizen science and outreach) delivered a fantastic talk with Q&A on the general introduction to garden bugs. She covered a wide variety of species, sharing interesting facts and ideas on how we can share our green spaces harmoniously. 

Young people from Hot House Theatre were in tow, taking photos and recording interviews with the attendees. Providing them with useful work experience and us with fantastic resources to help spread the brilliant work of the green community groups. 

There was live music from Derby based band Bu Ramoni who added toe-tapping songs to the upbeat atmosphere.  

Attendees made new contacts and saw old green-fingered friends. They discussed their biggest headaches and gave ideas on how to help each other. They also celebrated successes, by sharing what they’re most proud of from their projects this year (see word cloud below). 

JD Atkin, from Friends of Colwick Woods, was presented with his well-deserved Wilder Champion Award. Other winners in the room included Marysia Zipser of Leyton Crescent Park Wilding Group, and WildNG. 

With special thanks to our long-standing partnership with Castle Rock Brewery for supplying the venue space of The Old Cold Store. Everyone agreed it was the perfect place for this party, with friendly and helpful staff, a particularly delicious buffet and a wide selection of tasty drinks.