WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
FOCUS ON... Waste of Space
ANDY AMES
T
he lockdowns of the past year have undoubtedly made more people appreciate nature and recognise its role in supporting mental and physical wellbeing. Our own survey last spring showed that 97% felt that nature had helped relieve stress during this time. However, while some of us are fortunate to have gardens and wild, green spaces on our doorsteps, this is not the case for everyone. Access to nature should be equal, but currently many people - particularly those living in towns and cities - are excluded from the many benefits that nature offers. As well as helping to create healthy, connected communities, urban green spaces have a vital role to play in supporting nature’s recovery. In order to survive and thrive, insects, birds, mammals and amphibians need safe, welcoming and connected habitats and food sources. Every small wild space - from a window box to a road verge can act as an important sanctuary or stepping-stone for wildlife. Beyond this,
Turning grey to green – our new ‘Waste of Space’ campaign aims to create great places to live for both people and wildlife.
nature can help clean up and cool down our urban environments, mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis. Both the public and policy makers are starting to recognise the value of green space and, through Team Wilder, we have seen what can be achieved when people take action - transforming wasted spaces into colourful oases. With the right policy framework and practical support,
To find out more about Waste of Space and to add any places you think could do more for people and wildlife to our Waste of Space map, visit our webpage. Put your photos on social media with #WasteOfSpace, tag us @HantsIWWildlife and tag your local councils, MPs, friends, and neighbours to get them involved! www.hiwwt.org.uk/map-waste-space
we could see wilder communities flourishing across our towns and cities. Through the Waste of Space campaign, we want councils and businesses to prioritise nature and work with local people to improve their area. We are calling on councils to take a lead and set out ambitious green space action plans. We’re asking local businesses to make the most of their own spaces and support their local communities in getting wilder. We are also asking local people to get involved by finding and mapping the spaces in their neighbourhoods that they’d like to see transformed. We will then help them to work with their councils and communities to make the change happen. Ultimately, we want to see these rewilded spaces playing their role in the nature recovery network, helping to move us towards our goal of 30% of space for nature. As part of this, the Wildlife Trusts want to secure a ‘wildbelt’ designation in law to protect these valuable pockets - so they cannot easily be lost or forgotten. Wild Life | Spring 2021
10-15 News Spring2.indd 15
15
15/02/2021 10:19
