Nature Neighbourhoods

In October 2023 the partnership which supported the independent People’s Plan for Nature launched a new initiative, Nature Neighbourhoods. The project will support community organisations across the UK to create people-powered plans for nature in their neighbourhoods, helping to tackle the global nature and climate crisis at a local level.

What is Nature Neighbourhoods?

The People’s Plan for Nature calls on nature conservation organisations to bring key actors together with a common purpose and vision for nature. Nature Neighbourhoods is a direct response to this call, focusing delivery of this at the community level.

The RSPB, the National Trust and WWF have received £750,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, as well as £300,000 from Co-op to deliver the Nature Neighbourhoods project. Thanks to National Lottery players, and on-the-ground support from Co-op, this project will help 18 voluntary and community partners across the UK to mobilise their communities and lead positive change for nature and people through the creation of Nature Neighbourhood Plans. The project will deliver a two-year support programme for partners, funding of £25,000 per neighbourhood, and support for building collaborations with local authorities.

What will happen in the 18 neighbourhoods?

The national charities will work closely with local organisations such as community centres, social enterprises, and volunteer food growing collectives. These community organisations will be supported to bring together local residents, businesses and decision makers to create a long-term, people-powered plan for nature and climate action that centres their neighbourhood’s unique priorities.

Not only will each neighbourhood co-design a plan, but the local organisations and wider community will be in a better position to put these plans into practice. We’re doing this by providing training and capacity building in the areas that communities need most support in: everything from fundraising to running participatory processes to advocating most effectively for their cause.

Where are the neighbourhoods?

Nature Neighbourhoods will primarily focus on urban communities across the UK, with projects in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. While most people live in towns and cities, there are often substantial barriers to accessing nature in urban environments, along with higher social and economic inequalities.

This project aims to help more people benefit from all the advantages nature can bring, in being right on their doorstep.