3 minute read
Nextdoor Nature
Communities working together for people and for nature
By Tom Parkin
Advertisement
The Nextdoor Nature project is underway! Durham Wildlife Trust is bringing communities together to help nature flourish where they live and work. Now into its third month since roll-out, there’s been incredibly encouraging uptake and enthusiasm from the communities Nextdoor Nature will be working with to restore nature.
The need for individual action to help defend nature, and support its recovery, has never been more pertinent. We know that nature on our doorsteps is not only good for our physical and mental health, but it also helps connect us better with one another. With more people actively playing a part, we will see nature restored in our urban spaces, and build stronger, more resilient communities. Nextdoor Nature, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is operating across target areas in Sunderland, South Tyneside, East Durham, and Darlington. The aim is to create a network of community-led projects that bring nature into those neighbourhoods, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy wildlife. I have been making connections with local people, identifying current and future green champions, and listening to ideas from residents about their local urban spaces. My role is to offer individuals and groups the support, advice and expertise needed for delivery of their own project. I want to be able to help people spend time in nature, and equip them with the skills they need to look after their Nextdoor Nature. The legacy will be a positive impact on people’s lives and, of course, nature’s recovery.
Brinkburn
Amazing direct action taken by Brinkburn Community Volunteers has seen residents working to restore a muchloved local pond, where high nutrient levels are damaging wildlife value. Local residents have met weekly, and put in hours of work, to clear duckweed from the surface of the pond, with incredible results. They have removed litter from the site to restore this natural space as a place for wildlife to thrive, that residents can enjoy. This direct community-led action is a brilliant template for Nextdoor Nature, with the Trust’s expertise helping to guide the work of the volunteers. The Trust has also helped liaise with Darlington Council, and accessed funding, to support more community action.
Hendon
In Hendon, Sunderland, we have been working with ‘Back on the Map’, and local residents, to transform an unused plot of land into an accessible Community Growing Garden. After discussion with residents and community consultation meetings, we are building up a joint plan on how to make best use of the space for people and wildlife. All guided by community voices, it is incredibly exciting to see what will become of this space over the next two years. Nextdoor Nature is bringing communities together to help nature flourish where they live and work! Thanks to £5 million funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Nextdoor Nature will provide people with the advice and support they need to help nature on their doorstep, and leave a lasting natural legacy marking The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Participating Areas
SOUTH SHIELDS
WASHINGTON
SUNDERLAND • Don’t have a garden and need a natural space to come and relax after work?
• Growing plots just down the road to grow and pick fresh fruit and veg? • Join neighbours for a chat and make some food, surrounded by wildlife?
PETERLEE
DARLINGTON
Get involved
Would your community like to make space for nature and people? Start your own project to connect your neighbours with wildlife and each other. Here’s how to get in touch: durhamwt.com/nextdoor-nature Tom Parkin
Nextdoor Nature Officer, Durham Wildlife Trust: tparkin@durhamwt.co.uk | 01915843112