Nextdoor Nature in Gwent

George the Poet shines a light on new community rewilding projects led by Gwent Wildlife Trust and funded by The National Lottery

George the Poet wrote a special poem for the Nextdoor Nature project – a groundbreaking community rewilding scheme which will be a natural legacy for the Queen’s Jubilee.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered by Gwent Wildlife Trust, the Nextdoor Nature project will support communities in taking action for nature in their local area and help them develop the skills, tools, networks and knowledge they need to help get their ideas for greener communities off the ground. This could include helping communities establish wilder habitats and green corridors in nature depleted areas, creating wildlife-friendly school grounds, or naturalising highly urbanised areas.

Our mission is to stem the decline in biodiversity whilst addressing the climate crisis that threatens Gwent’s people and wildlife. Gwent is made up of 5 local authority areas, with Nextdoor Nature focusing solely on the area of Newport. The city of Newport benefits from a number of nature reserves and much loved green spaces but this isn’t enough. With air pollution levels measuring at some of the worst in the UK and a lack of urban greening we need to take a stand for nature.

Urban centres are lacking in high quality spaces for people to connect with nature – which is essential for our health and wellbeing. Research shows that 85% of people in nature-deprived areas believe more natural spaces would improve their quality of life. The majority also say that having access to local natural spaces in their communities is more important post-pandemic

Nextdoor Nature will support people in putting nature back into their communities and, in doing so, take steps to tackle the nature and climate crisis and address important health and wellbeing needs. Gwent Wildlife Trust will be working in urban areas across the city with a clear focus on the area of Pillgwennly, (Pill) with the idea of supporting works in neighbouring estates at a later date. We will be listening to a diverse range of local voices and supporting people from all walks of life to be able to access nature and enhance their local spaces for wildlife.

Goerge's Poem

George the Poet says: “Linking up with The Wildlife Trusts for Nextdoor Nature reminded me that nature is all around us – it is us. Let’s stay tapped in with the natural world.”

Listen, watch and share the poem below:

Nextdoor Nature's aims

Nextdoor Nature is funded by £5 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – part of The National Lottery’s £22 million investment to mark the Jubilee.

Led by The Wildlife Trusts, the scheme will run over the next two years giving people the skills, tools, and opportunity to take action for nature. This could include establishing wild habitats and green corridors in areas of economic and nature deprivation, rewilding school grounds, or naturalising highly urbanised or unused areas. The pandemic has demonstrated just how important access to a well-cared for natural environment is to communities across the UK.

Dr Simon Thurley CBE, Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, says: “Encouraging people to get involved in nature, is not only critical for the wellbeing of our planet, it is critical for the wellbeing of our communities. A community-created green oasis in areas where there are none will not only have a transformative effect on the lives of those involved, it will bring joy and sense of pride to many. Thanks to funding raised by players of The National Lottery, we are delighted to work in partnership with The Wildlife Trusts on Nextdoor Nature to create a wonderful natural legacy for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”

Charlotte Spring, Senior Community Organiser for Gwent Wildlife Trust, says: "Communities are often aware of the issue’s facing them and long for the supported needed to take action and be a part of positive change. Through-out the Nextdoor Nature project we will support communities in combatting issues they feel relevant to their local area. Communities will be supported to gain all the skills, training and tools necessary to lead the way with us walking alongside them in the fight against climate/nature emergencies. With this approach we invasion that once the Nextdoor Nature funding has finished, communities will have a sustainable plan that they can continue to build on without the need for us to be there. With the effects of the pandemic still very visible in communities, people now more than ever value high quality, easy accessible green spaces and are ready to implement the changes necessary to support nature on their doorstep. We are delighted to have the opportunity to help them on their journey to a greener future.