As part of a national Wildlife Trusts initiative Team Wilder is working with communities so that they can be supported to take action and care for wildlife where they live, learn, and work. Research shows that if just one person in every four takes up a cause, this can be enough to change the minds and behaviour of the majority. Imagine what could be achieved if that cause was nature: if a quarter of people across Beds, Cambs and Northants created more space for wildlife to bring back what we’ve lost.
No matter what the action every small step can make a huge difference and help to change the fate of nature. The project is already creating vital corridors across towns, cities and countryside for wildlife to form part of a network of natural havens linking urban green spaces together with habitats across Beds, Cambs and Northants.
Leading on the delivery of the project, Ellen Pentland, Team Wilder communities officer, says: “I am really excited to be leading such an amazing project which will benefit not only communities but also our local wildlife. Our nature has been declining in recent years and it’s time that we all do our bit to bring nature back from the brink and see it thriving again. Connecting and caring for nature in our three counties will not only help our wildlife but improve lives in our local communities.
"My role is to advise and support anybody who wants to join the Team Wilder movement. Whether it’s helping your community learn more about nature, or creating a wildlife area we are here to help guide and give you lots of advice from experts all over our trust. If you have an idea, but are not sure where to start then please do get in touch!”
The initial focus has started in Northants, where the team have held 'listening' events in Irthlingborough, to discover what the community wants and needs. From this, two areas have been identified as potential sites for new community wildlife and wellbeing gardens, which will complement the new community garden being created with the help of local businesses and community groups at nearby Rushden Lakes.
The team are keen to involve as many people as possible in the project, including children, and have been working with the local library and primary schools to help youngsters learn more about the wildlife on their doorstep. A pop up visitor centre is planned at the library that will allow local people to ask us any questions they have about the work we’re doing in the area and how they can help.
While the initial focus is in Northants, the aim is to make Team Wilder something that everyone in Beds and Cambs can now join in with via our Wildlife Gardening Awards scheme, which recognises people making an effort to help wildlife on their patch. Anyone can apply for an award no matter how big or small the outdoor space: via a simple form share 'show and tell' photos and you'll receive a certificate and outdoor plaque to say thank you for helping nature near you.
See the project page below for further information
