Summary

A project to provide communities with the support and tools they need to identify and drive positive change, and actions for nature, across the diverse spaces that make up their neighbourhood. Using the proven Community Nature Reserve model and working in partnership with Town and Parish Councils, engaged residents, and community groups, the project will create lasting and sustainable change, making places and communities more resilient and better for people and nature. 

This project is to support the first 12 months of a proposed three-year programme of activity across South Gloucestershire. A programme that invites the participation of every Town and Parish Council, and therefore every community.  

The Problem 

Many individual residents and local community groups are concerned about climate change and the plight of nature. They want to take meaningful action at the local level, but don’t necessarily know where to start, or have the knowledge, skills and experience to create and implement a meaningful and effective plan. 

Town and Parish Councils (T&PCs) are aware of and understand and share those concerns. Some may have already developed a Local Nature Action Plan (LNAP), which could be used to guide the activities of willing local volunteers, but may not have the resources needed to grow, mobilise, and support volunteer activity.  Other T&PCs would like to develop and implement an LNAP but don’t yet feel they have the necessary time or skills to complete this undertaking. 

The Solution 

Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT) will work with South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), to provide residents, community groups and T&PCs with the support they need. They will raise awareness, knowledge and build capacity to unlock local leadership, and provide the catalyst for long term, nature positive behavioural change. They will provide the assistance needed to mobilise and inspire communities to take meaningful action to manage private gardens and local community spaces positively for nature. 

The popular and successful Community Nature Reserves (CNR) concept provides an established and proven model for the approach. 

The CNR approach embraces an entire neighbourhood, with its mix of housing, gardens, mixed open spaces and wilder more natural spaces, and brings the community together to make these spaces work better for nature. It isn’t just a declaration, it’s about communities coming together to recognise, celebrate, protect and enhance the nature on their doorsteps. 

Through CNR’s the network of diverse spaces and fragmented habitats can be enhanced and managed so that they function as one large, better-connected space, where people, wildlife, and biodiversity all thrive. The community comes together around a common purpose, learning and sharing knowledge and experiences.  

“A community nature reserve is a place where everyone has the opportunity to celebrate and create space for nature… in a way which is meaningful for them”.

Alex Dommett - Avon Wildlife Trust