Green Your Neighbourhood
Join the Green Your Neighbourhood movement!
Our mission is to make it easy for people like you to take ownership of your local green space and take action that will benefit your local area, your community and wildlife. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, we have resources to help you make a positive impact in your community.
Green Your Neighbourhood is made possible thanks to a grant of £10,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.
Follow the steps below to get started!
Access to nature for everyone
Improved physical health, mental health and wellbeing are just some of the benefits that having access to a local green space provides. However there are currently 2.8 million people across the UK who are not living within a ten-minute walk of a green space. We want to change that!
We believe everyone should have access to nature and the benefits that it provides, and our series of films and resources will remove some of the obstacles that may stand in the way of getting started.
Why Get Involved?
We spoke to Jasmine from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust to find out more about the benefits of getting involved in your local green space. A huge thank you to Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust who have worked alongside us across this campaign.
Ready to get stuck in?
Follow the steps below to start your journey to a healthier, happier and more wildlife-friendly neighbourhood!
Step 1: Get prepared
Begin by understanding the practicalities of initiating a community wildlife gardening project including forming community groups, finding funding, and raising awareness.
Getting started with your community green space
If you’re thinking about creating or enhancing a green space in your local area, it might feel a little overwhelming. You might be wondering whether you need to form a community group, and what that looks like if you do. You may have questions about fundraising, publicity, or making your space accessible to everyone. We will guide you through these topics and answer some of your questions.
Green Space Stories
We visited Byron Court in Nottingham to meet Marie and her fellow residents. During lockdown, Marie set out to make a difference in her community, organising event days and raising funds for planters, plants and wildflower seeds. Marie’s story is such an inspiration and shows that it only takes one person to get the ball rolling on a community project.
Step 2: Find your team
Learn how to rally support and collaborate with your neighbours and local community to engage them in your project
Engaging your community
Engaging your community is crucial for the success and longevity of your project. By involving people, you foster a sense of ownership, ensuring that community members will care for and maintain the project. We’ll guide you through planning your approach, finding volunteers and contributors, and discuss the roles that people can take on.
Green Space Stories
Green Space Stories
We visited St Aidan’s Church in Basford to meet Christine. Christine and her team set out to create a wildlife friendly garden that could be enjoyed and explored by their community. We were absolutely blown away by Christine’s enthusiasm and passion for creating a sanctuary for people and for wildlife. And we hope you take inspiration not only from the brilliant things they’ve achieved, but also Christine’s beautiful thoughts on the restorative power of nature.
Step 3: Take action for your community and for wildlife
Learn how to transform your green space and provide food for people and wildlife. In this section you’ll learn practical ways to help local wildlife, grow your own food, and create a sustainable and thriving green space.
Gardening for wildlife and people
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, we’ll guide you through the basic principles of wildlife gardening to help you provide for wildlife in your local green spaces. Our easy-to-follow video guides cover a range of wildlife-friendly measures to help you provide food and habitat for wildlife.
Growing food
Whether you’re involved with a community garden or growing your own food at home, these tips will help you create a plot that provides food for people and wildlife whilst having minimal impact on the environment.
Wildlife-friendly vegetable gardening
Composting
Not many things in life are free, but compost is! Take all those grass clippings, vegetation and food peelings and turn it into scrumptious, nutritious goodness for your soil. All whilst providing a cosy home for lots of critters.
Green Space Stories
The team at Secret Garden Space made a number of improvements in their garden for wildlife, as well as organising weekly gardening sessions. It’s at these sessions that local community members have found respite, new friends and a place to learn new skills. This story demonstrates just how vital our Green Spaces are, not only for wildlife, but also for our mental health and wellbeing.
Step 4: Share your stories and successes with us!
We would leave to hear about what you and your community have achieved with your local green space. Give us a follow and we’ll follow you back, then share your pictures and stories with us by tagging us in to your posts on social media. Don’t forget to use the hashtag
#GreenYour Neighbourhood
Next, please fill out this short form to tell us about any action you’ve taken in your community and give us feedback on the Green your Neighbourhood campaign. Your answers help us to shape our future campaigns and tutorial videos so we can help even more people to green their neighbourhoods.
Want to learn more?
To learn more ways to help nature in your neighbourhood, visit the Wildlife Trust’s Community Hub:
Green Your Neighbourhood is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players
We would like to give a huge thank you to the following individuals, community groups and organisations who have help to make this campaign a success!
The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players
Jasmine Walker, Nesta Birrell and team from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
Lucy Kennedy and Jenny Butcher and team from STAA
Andy Callow from Sherwood Garden Consultancy
The team and volunteers at Pythian Club and Secret Garden Space
Marie and her fellow residents at Byron Court, Nottingham
Christine and Paul from St Aidan’s Church, Basford