Our local nature initiative reached eight times further than planned

11/11/2024

A mixed-race boy looking at an artichoke in a field

A young boy taking part in a community gardening project as part of Nextdoor Nature. Image: Gavin Dickson.

When we invested £5million in Nextdoor Nature, our partnership with The Wildlife Trusts, we aimed to reach 200 communities. Instead, we reached 1,600.

In 2022 we set out to help people in economically deprived urban and rural areas take control over decisions about nature and the environment in their neighbourhoods.

We gave them the skills, tools and opportunity to run micro-projects that would improve access to green space and help tackle climate change.

Two years on, the results have exceeded all our expectations, with transformations taking place in 1,600 communities across the UK.

Nextdoor Nature has enabled Roma communities in East Belfast to take part in wildlife gardening and local schools to get involved in rare bird reintroduction schemes in Kent. It’s supported rewilding in Derby town centre and a nature-friendly faith space in Slough.

It has ignited a passion and commitment which will have positive impact for people and our environment into the future.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund

A pair of women crouching down planting seedlings in a garden bed — Nextdoor Nature participants planting in a garden bed. Image: Penny Dixie.

A commitment to community and the environment

An evaluation of the programme, Power to the People: Nextdoor Nature’s legacy for communities and wildlife, shows:

95% of the participants said there is now greater collaborative working between residents, local organisations and groups
82% feel there is now greater decision-making about wildlife in the hands of local people

Participants also reported feeling part of something bigger than themselves and increased pride in their local area. One said: “It gives me purpose and a 'joyous boost'; it has increased my sense of community,” while another said: “It has contributed to a sense of purpose and belonging.”

Four men standing around a raised garden bed, smoothing the soil — A raised garden bed constructed in Hull as part of Nextdoor Nature. Image: Andy-Steele.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “I am delighted so many people are taking an active role in caring for nature and it has ignited a passion and commitment which will have positive impact for people and our environment into the future.

“This programme delivers on our ambition to connect people and communities to heritage and the natural environment and supports our vision for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone.”

A legacy for nature

Nextdoor Nature was part of a total £8m investment to create a legacy for nature to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. We also partnered with Groundwork UK on a £3m initiative that provided 98 young people with paid nature-based work placements to help diversify the natural heritage sector.

Nikki Williams, Director of Campaigning and Communities at The Wildlife Trusts – our delivery partner for Nextdoor Nature – said: “We’re humbled by the astonishing work that communities have achieved across the UK and especially excited by the knowledge that these changes form part of a sustainable legacy as more people become inspired to take action for nature where they live.”

Explore the full Nextdoor Nature evaluation report and read further case studies and stories from participants on the Nextdoor Nature website.