A newly published report has revealed the striking results of a National Lottery Heritage Fund £5million Nextdoor Nature programme.
This has enabled Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to work with communities across the 2 counties for the past 2 years.
At a time when a recent UK Government evaluation of green prescribing showed that connections to nature can bring about big reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms and impressive improvements in well-being*, the benefits of the Nextdoor Nature programme for people are significant.
Extraordinary transformations have taken place across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight over the last 2 years in communities that have often been traditionally or historically excluded from making decisions about nature and the environment in their local areas. The benefits of nature connectedness have never been better appreciated.
Nextdoor Nature has given people the skills, tools and opportunity to take action for nature. The projects on the Isle of Wight include a new wildlife-friendly garden space at St Mary’s hospital, community nature projects have created a sensory garden and new homes for wildlife, and a community orchard project is also thriving.
Nextdoor Nature’s legacy will live on beyond the end of the funding so that local communities can continue the work using their new skills and contacts.
Nationwide, 95% of the participants in the Nextdoor Nature programme said that as a direct result of the project, there is now greater collaborative working between residents, local organisations and groups, and 82% feel there is now greater decision-making about wildlife in the hands of local people.
Dawn O’Malley, Wilder Communities Manager, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust says:
“It has been an incredible journey to witness the impacts of the Nextdoor Nature project, funded by the Heritage Lottery. This initiative was designed to shift power to communities to reconnect with the natural world right on their doorstep, and over the past months, we’ve seen remarkable progress, driven by the passion, creativity, and hard work of so many individuals, but there is still so much more work to be done.
“From urban wildlife corridors to community gardens, the Nextdoor Nature project has created examples where nature has been brought into the heart of our neighbourhoods. It’s been inspiring to see how people of all ages have come together to champion local green spaces, foster biodiversity, and create lasting connections with nature that will continue to grow long after the project ends.”
The Trust has collaborated with 2 nature community groups to create a sensory garden and new homes for wildlife with The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIoWFRS) Prince’s Trust Team programme – a course which offered young people aged between 16 – 25 the opportunity to build confidence and break down personal barriers, support and mentoring to become better prepared for the world of work.
The Trust’s orchard project with Ventnor Town Council continues to thrive. The community orchard will feature local apple varieties like Nettlestone Pippin and Bembridge Beauty. A community consultation at Lowtherville Community Centre, involved 40 residents sharing their thoughts and aspirations for the orchard’s future. Some great ideas included adding herb gardens, beehives, and wildlife ponds. Plus, an Orchard Visits Day, exploring sites across the Isle of Wight also took place.
Jo Ridley, Wilder Communities Officer (Isle of Wight), Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust adds:
“At Grazed Knee Cider Orchard, we learned about apple varieties, cross-pollination, and sustainable orchard care. Merstone Station Community Orchard also shared insights on natural path formation and wildlife protection, while Pan Country Park emphasised the importance of pruning. With planting taking place during November, we are excited to see this shared vision grow.”
In collaboration with Artspace, the Young Cultural Changemakers Programme, and St. Mary’s Hospital, the Trust supported the design of a wildlife-friendly, multifunctional garden space at the Children’s Ward. With young people’s input, a mural, sensory garden, modular green wall, and animal habitats now enrich the hospital garden, creating a nurturing environment for relaxation.
