Biodiversity & Nature

Bradford Urban Discovery Project

Bradford

Constructing the community garden! With difficulties engaging communities the past year, it is hard to get tasks done. Despite this, we have a small group of committed volunteers who helped us build and install this community garden in a beautiful, natural, urban greenspace. Local residents suffer from a lack of access to nature and creating community areas encourages people into these wild spaces. On a sunny day, with happy enthusiasm and hard work we were finally ready for planting!

Constructing the community garden! With difficulties engaging communities the past year, it is hard to get tasks done. Despite this, we have a small group of committed volunteers who helped us build and install this community garden in a beautiful, natural, urban greenspace. Local residents suffer from a lack of access to nature and creating community areas encourages people into these wild spaces. On a sunny day, with happy enthusiasm and hard work we were finally ready for planting!

Community action planting day: After school, local children worked together to plant the raised beds with herbs. Most children had never planted a plant before and learnt a new skill. By planting the herbs themselves the children and young people got to feel and smell such wonders as chocolate mint and lemon balm (that smells like lemonade!) Not only are these plants fantastic for people but they are great for pollinators and so bring life into neglected, forgotten greenspaces.

Community action planting day: After school, local children worked together to plant the raised beds with herbs. Most children had never planted a plant before and learnt a new skill. By planting the herbs themselves the children and young people got to feel and smell such wonders as chocolate mint and lemon balm (that smells like lemonade!) Not only are these plants fantastic for people but they are great for pollinators and so bring life into neglected, forgotten greenspaces.

Nurturing the future: Despite the watering can being heavy, the children and young people were committed to making sure that the plants got what they need to survive. The future may not be easy, and choices may be hard but these children are demonstrating that they care and want to nurture the small part of nature that they have a connection to. This is what we need to build upon and nurture in them for a greener future.

Nurturing the future: Despite the watering can being heavy, the children and young people were committed to making sure that the plants got what they need to survive. The future may not be easy, and choices may be hard but these children are demonstrating that they care and want to nurture the small part of nature that they have a connection to. This is what we need to build upon and nurture in them for a greener future.

Green Earth Plan

Windsor and Maidenhead

Unity through urban greening: Green Earth Plan CIC had a vision to create a community orchard that would be will be a place of beauty, enhance biodiversity, health and wellbeing as well as provide an opportunity for social gatherings and learning for many years to come. Through collaboration we have brought this vision to life. Designed to fruit from early summer to late autumn, the orchard is home to 17 different varieties of native fruit tree.

Unity through urban greening: Green Earth Plan CIC had a vision to create a community orchard that would be will be a place of beauty, enhance biodiversity, health and wellbeing as well as provide an opportunity for social gatherings and learning for many years to come. Through collaboration we have brought this vision to life. Designed to fruit from early summer to late autumn, the orchard is home to 17 different varieties of native fruit tree.

The Community Orchard Dream Team: Planting the orchard during COVID restrictions was challenging, however we persevered and found a way to bring together dedicated volunteers to ensure the orchard was planted in time for the growing season and for the community to enjoy in the summer months as we emerge from lockdown.

The Community Orchard Dream Team: Planting the orchard during COVID restrictions was challenging, however we persevered and found a way to bring together dedicated volunteers to ensure the orchard was planted in time for the growing season and for the community to enjoy in the summer months as we emerge from lockdown.

Inspiring the next generation: Since planting the orchard we have invited 'orchard stewards' to come forward to help ensure the trees survive and thrive. A local family has joined the orchard team and helps water the trees once a week. The creation of the orchard has inspired them and in turn their participation inspires others to get involved to maintain the trees and join in our 'Green Up Our Street' urban greening campaign across the Royal Borough.

Inspiring the next generation: Since planting the orchard we have invited 'orchard stewards' to come forward to help ensure the trees survive and thrive. A local family has joined the orchard team and helps water the trees once a week. The creation of the orchard has inspired them and in turn their participation inspires others to get involved to maintain the trees and join in our 'Green Up Our Street' urban greening campaign across the Royal Borough.

The Carbon Community

Carmarthenshire

Giving nature a helping hand: Despite more than 30 years of research, we still don’t fully understand how nature stores carbon in trees and soil. The Carbon Community’s new Glandwr Forest, different nature-based solutions are being tested at scale across a 28-acre site with more than 25,000 trees. This is one of the largest carbon sequestration trials globally which blends trees, science and people to learn how to maximize carbon storage in trees and soil.

Giving nature a helping hand: Despite more than 30 years of research, we still don’t fully understand how nature stores carbon in trees and soil. The Carbon Community’s new Glandwr Forest, different nature-based solutions are being tested at scale across a 28-acre site with more than 25,000 trees. This is one of the largest carbon sequestration trials globally which blends trees, science and people to learn how to maximize carbon storage in trees and soil.

Teamwork: Planting more than 25,000 trees in 72 trial plots, each testing different nature-based solutions to maximize carbon sequestration, required incredible teamwork and a diverse group of people coming together. This includes government civil servants, planners, foresters, environmental scientists, local volunteers, tree nurseries, neighbours, students and even the local quarry. All of these people have given time and in turn have been touched by the magic of science and nature in ways they will never forget.

Teamwork: Planting more than 25,000 trees in 72 trial plots, each testing different nature-based solutions to maximize carbon sequestration, required incredible teamwork and a diverse group of people coming together. This includes government civil servants, planners, foresters, environmental scientists, local volunteers, tree nurseries, neighbours, students and even the local quarry. All of these people have given time and in turn have been touched by the magic of science and nature in ways they will never forget.

A reforested future: In years gone by all this land would have been covered by forests. Trees are nature’s own mechanism for regulating the carbon cycle and the best way to recover excess CO2 from the air. We need to reforest at scale so that once again these lands are covered in trees providing beautiful landscapes, places for us to visit, protection from floods, support for biodiversity and to restore our planet to its former glory.

A reforested future: In years gone by all this land would have been covered by forests. Trees are nature’s own mechanism for regulating the carbon cycle and the best way to recover excess CO2 from the air. We need to reforest at scale so that once again these lands are covered in trees providing beautiful landscapes, places for us to visit, protection from floods, support for biodiversity and to restore our planet to its former glory.

More Trees BANES

Bath and North East Somerset

Nurturing Little Baby Trees: More Trees BANES is setting up a network of community tree nurseries across the region. This is what it's all about - growing on seedlings/saplings until they are big enough to plant out.

Nurturing Little Baby Trees: More Trees BANES is setting up a network of community tree nurseries across the region. This is what it's all about - growing on seedlings/saplings until they are big enough to plant out.

Blooming Whiteway & More Trees BANES Together: Barrow Mead Community Tree Nursery has been a very successful experiment with community collaboration. More Tress BANES kicked things off, and Blooming Whiteway have taken it on. It's been a great way to bring these existing groups together, and make lots of new friends along the way from various places including the local Universities, Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteers, BANES Council and more :-)

Blooming Whiteway & More Trees BANES Together: Barrow Mead Community Tree Nursery has been a very successful experiment with community collaboration. More Tress BANES kicked things off, and Blooming Whiteway have taken it on. It's been a great way to bring these existing groups together, and make lots of new friends along the way from various places including the local Universities, Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteers, BANES Council and more :-)

Building Tomorrow, Today: Planting trees is a very future-focussed activity. Growing trees from seed and cuttings takes even longer! The future we're building means that tree planting groups will have access to locally grown saplings with local provenance, which will increase genetic diversity, reduce bio-security risks and the carbon footprint associated with transporting saplings. Along the way, we are learning how to work together and picking up loads of new skills along the way.

Building Tomorrow, Today: Planting trees is a very future-focussed activity. Growing trees from seed and cuttings takes even longer! The future we're building means that tree planting groups will have access to locally grown saplings with local provenance, which will increase genetic diversity, reduce bio-security risks and the carbon footprint associated with transporting saplings. Along the way, we are learning how to work together and picking up loads of new skills along the way.

LJMU Natural Curriculum Hub

Liverpool

Natural Curriculum Practitioner Programme: We are working with pre-service and in-service teachers to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to deliver curriculum subjects through outdoor learning. We offer training to show how lessons can be taught to help pupils to progress in their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Sustainability is at the heart of all we do.

Natural Curriculum Practitioner Programme: We are working with pre-service and in-service teachers to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to deliver curriculum subjects through outdoor learning. We offer training to show how lessons can be taught to help pupils to progress in their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Sustainability is at the heart of all we do.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World: We are connecting pre-service and in-service teachers through a Hub to build up a network of good practice in outdoor learning. We develop links between the Hub and other relevant organisations such as Mersey Forest and Trees for Cities to enable schools to take up the opportunity to take part in sustainability initiatives run by these organisations. Training current teachers and the future generation of teachers to appreciate the importance of the environment and equipping them with the tools they need to deliver this in their own outdoor learning practice.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World: We are connecting pre-service and in-service teachers through a Hub to build up a network of good practice in outdoor learning. We develop links between the Hub and other relevant organisations such as Mersey Forest and Trees for Cities to enable schools to take up the opportunity to take part in sustainability initiatives run by these organisations. Training current teachers and the future generation of teachers to appreciate the importance of the environment and equipping them with the tools they need to deliver this in their own outdoor learning practice.

Connecting children to nature: Teachers and trainee teachers who come through our Natural Curriculum Practitioner Programme will have an impact on the attitudes of pupils towards the natural world. Pupils will be more in touch with the natural environment and have the understanding to make decisions that can keep themselves and the planet healthy.

Connecting children to nature: Teachers and trainee teachers who come through our Natural Curriculum Practitioner Programme will have an impact on the attitudes of pupils towards the natural world. Pupils will be more in touch with the natural environment and have the understanding to make decisions that can keep themselves and the planet healthy.

Barracks Lane Community Garden - Wild Edges Project

Oxford

The start of Wild Edges: The garden was lucky to be awarded a grant supported by the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment with funding from Grundon Waste Management Ltd to carry out the Wild Edges project. This project has replaced the raised bed support posts that form a central feature in the garden with new posts made from recycled plastic, and has created a new planting scheme which include pollinator friendly plants.

The start of Wild Edges: The garden was lucky to be awarded a grant supported by the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment with funding from Grundon Waste Management Ltd to carry out the Wild Edges project. This project has replaced the raised bed support posts that form a central feature in the garden with new posts made from recycled plastic, and has created a new planting scheme which include pollinator friendly plants.

Tidying the Wild Edges! The new planting scheme has been designed with wildlife in mind, especially pollinators, which are suffering from habitat loss. Plants with double flowers have been avoided as they produce less nectar; instead, a variety of native and near-native (i.e. northern hemisphere) species which bloom over a long season have been planted so that pollinators have food at all times of year. With other wildlife in mind, plants whose stems and leaves persist through winter, providing shelter for invertebrates, and some whose seed heads are eaten by birds were also included in the planting scheme.

Tidying the Wild Edges! The new planting scheme has been designed with wildlife in mind, especially pollinators, which are suffering from habitat loss. Plants with double flowers have been avoided as they produce less nectar; instead, a variety of native and near-native (i.e. northern hemisphere) species which bloom over a long season have been planted so that pollinators have food at all times of year. With other wildlife in mind, plants whose stems and leaves persist through winter, providing shelter for invertebrates, and some whose seed heads are eaten by birds were also included in the planting scheme.

The perfect habitat for future generations: Gardening can often have other, less obvious environmental impacts, e.g. in the production and transport of plants. Plants were sourced from a local nursery with a robust sustainability policy including using only peat free compost, and the pots were returned for recycling. Hardy annual seeds were sown direct into the flower beds – a great way to fill gaps in newly planted areas while the perennials are getting established, with no compost or plastic pots involved.

The perfect habitat for future generations: Gardening can often have other, less obvious environmental impacts, e.g. in the production and transport of plants. Plants were sourced from a local nursery with a robust sustainability policy including using only peat free compost, and the pots were returned for recycling. Hardy annual seeds were sown direct into the flower beds – a great way to fill gaps in newly planted areas while the perennials are getting established, with no compost or plastic pots involved.

Small Woods Association

Telford and Wrekin

A sweet chestnut sapling being protected: Our community volunteers have recently started working on local sites again after being in lockdown. This week we have been working to promote natural regeneration of Sweet Chestnut trees in a local woodland by protecting them against squirrel damage.

A sweet chestnut sapling being protected: Our community volunteers have recently started working on local sites again after being in lockdown. This week we have been working to promote natural regeneration of Sweet Chestnut trees in a local woodland by protecting them against squirrel damage.

School children planting a new hedge: We are working across the community to connect people with nature. Starting with school children, their families and the wider community.

School children planting a new hedge: We are working across the community to connect people with nature. Starting with school children, their families and the wider community.

Tree nursery at a Local Nature Reserve: Earlier in the year we worked with a local greenspace ‘friends’ group, the local primary school, local Councillors and the local ‘Extinction Rebellion’ group to establish a tree nursery at Dothill Local Nature Reserve. The reserve has a young plantation of Ash which is unfortunately susceptible to disease and the Oak trees, rescued from a tree nursery in Wales that had no market for them, will be planted to replace the Ash trees which we have also been involved in starting to clear.

Tree nursery at a Local Nature Reserve: Earlier in the year we worked with a local greenspace ‘friends’ group, the local primary school, local Councillors and the local ‘Extinction Rebellion’ group to establish a tree nursery at Dothill Local Nature Reserve. The reserve has a young plantation of Ash which is unfortunately susceptible to disease and the Oak trees, rescued from a tree nursery in Wales that had no market for them, will be planted to replace the Ash trees which we have also been involved in starting to clear.

Chiswick Oasis

Hounslow

Green Wall in school fighting pollution: In 2019 successful fundraising campaign at St.Mary's School in Chiswick, London, raised about £100k to build a green wall around its playground. Air purifiers were also bought and a vegetable garden was built. Within the first 6 months the air quality around the school improved by 36%.

Green Wall in school fighting pollution: In 2019 successful fundraising campaign at St.Mary's School in Chiswick, London, raised about £100k to build a green wall around its playground. Air purifiers were also bought and a vegetable garden was built. Within the first 6 months the air quality around the school improved by 36%.

Green Wall Celebration: In summer 2019 we invited people to celebrate the success of our crowdfunding campaign which allowed us to build a 126m long green wall and improved the air quality of what used to be one of the most polluted schools in London. Among its supporters Sadiq Khan, Emma Thompson, David Dimbleby, Jeremy Paxman, Claudia Winkleman and many others.

Green Wall Celebration: In summer 2019 we invited people to celebrate the success of our crowdfunding campaign which allowed us to build a 126m long green wall and improved the air quality of what used to be one of the most polluted schools in London. Among its supporters Sadiq Khan, Emma Thompson, David Dimbleby, Jeremy Paxman, Claudia Winkleman and many others.

Mersey Forest

Cheshire West and Chester

Delivering despite the challenges: The Mersey Forest delivers on a number of nature-based solutions across the city. The Stafford Street project based within Liverpool’s Fabric District forms part of the European Structural and Investment Funds to deliver on low carbon solutions. The photo provides a snapshot of the pressures of COVID-19 and how work to install 29 large urban trees is still ongoing. Photo by McCoyWynn.

Delivering despite the challenges: The Mersey Forest delivers on a number of nature-based solutions across the city. The Stafford Street project based within Liverpool’s Fabric District forms part of the European Structural and Investment Funds to deliver on low carbon solutions. The photo provides a snapshot of the pressures of COVID-19 and how work to install 29 large urban trees is still ongoing. Photo by McCoyWynn.

Green Streets in Ellesmere Port: The community within Ellesmere Port have engaged with the Green Street programme with the aim of enhancing the local neighbourhoods and making our towns and cities even better places to live and work. Photo taken by McCoyWynn.

Green Streets in Ellesmere Port: The community within Ellesmere Port have engaged with the Green Street programme with the aim of enhancing the local neighbourhoods and making our towns and cities even better places to live and work. Photo taken by McCoyWynn.

Each tree planted is a step closer to our goal: Each tree planted in the Northern Forest is a step closer to transforming the landscape of northern England. England's Community Forests are working together with the Woodland Trust to plant 50 million trees over the next 25 years – providing a better future for our children and young people. Photo by Nick Jones.

Each tree planted is a step closer to our goal: Each tree planted in the Northern Forest is a step closer to transforming the landscape of northern England. England's Community Forests are working together with the Woodland Trust to plant 50 million trees over the next 25 years – providing a better future for our children and young people. Photo by Nick Jones.

A Focus On Nature

Portsmouth

Sky Fall: This photograph showcases the utter and complete beauty of the ocean, the perfect reflection of the sky, the colours and textures are out of this world. If nothing else, the beauty of this earth is reason to save it.

Sky Fall: This photograph showcases the utter and complete beauty of the ocean, the perfect reflection of the sky, the colours and textures are out of this world. If nothing else, the beauty of this earth is reason to save it.

Life is Precious: Life is extraordinary and precious, there is a wealth of beauty and knowledge that comes from the ocean, and we are blessed to be able to witness this, that's what I want the future to be like everyday.

Life is Precious: Life is extraordinary and precious, there is a wealth of beauty and knowledge that comes from the ocean, and we are blessed to be able to witness this, that's what I want the future to be like everyday.

Telford & Wrekin Council Climate Change Champions

Telford and Wrekin

Enabling community to share big ideas: "Telford and Wrekin Climate Change Champion, Beth, shared her story on our community platform. "I have begun to re-evaluate how I consume fashion. I’m now using apps and websites to both sell my unloved clothing and invest in new clothes that I can see myself taking care of and getting use out of for a long time. I feel proud to be making the more sustainable choice."

Enabling community to share big ideas: "Telford and Wrekin Climate Change Champion, Beth, shared her story on our community platform. "I have begun to re-evaluate how I consume fashion. I’m now using apps and websites to both sell my unloved clothing and invest in new clothes that I can see myself taking care of and getting use out of for a long time. I feel proud to be making the more sustainable choice."

Building our community of Champions online: Not even a global pandemic can stop us. Our Climate Change Champions moved online, sharing their stories on our digital platform, to connect with – and inspire – others. Samantha and her children created a bug hotel in their garden and planted pollinator-friendly plants.

Building our community of Champions online: Not even a global pandemic can stop us. Our Climate Change Champions moved online, sharing their stories on our digital platform, to connect with – and inspire – others. Samantha and her children created a bug hotel in their garden and planted pollinator-friendly plants.

I love this planet: "Alan summed up our community's thoughts when he shared his story on Telford & Wrekin Council's climate change platform. "I wanted to become a Telford and Wrekin Climate Change Champion because I love this planet, I've not finished with it yet and there is nowhere else for me, or my children to live."

I love this planet: "Alan summed up our community's thoughts when he shared his story on Telford & Wrekin Council's climate change platform. "I wanted to become a Telford and Wrekin Climate Change Champion because I love this planet, I've not finished with it yet and there is nowhere else for me, or my children to live."

↑Back to Top