The Nextdoor Nature organising philosophy offers an opportunity for real change through diversifying participation and audiences to deliver sustainable communities. Building interconnection between, and through, local groups is a starting point for meaningful action, and is done in many ways. The hope is to help communities – which are often on the margins themselves – play a full role in the recovery and support of nature.

Our new Nextdoor Nature Officer, Graeme Jobes, has worked in a range of community settings including health and wellbeing, environmental and pastoral care. He has built upon the diverse community engagement previously delivered and supported by the Trust’s Team Wilder project.

Graeme’s work is intergenerational and can range from urban to wild, from work to home, and from school to college.

Durham Wildlife Trust, through its Nextdoor Nature delivery, has continued to support initiatives across Sunderland, South Tyneside, Durham, and Darlington, such as:

• A community initiative in Leach Grove in Darlington. A pocket of land alongside a housing estate, whose residents sought advice on habitat mapping and local interaction. This culminated in an event where 2,000 spring bulbs were planted by volunteers from the nearby housing estate and further afield, which was part empowerment and community action.
• In South Shields, the Trust is supporting the development of a wildlife habitat, helping to facilitate partnership and community cohesion. The land can provide the opportunity to benefit the local community with a space committed to biodiversity and wildlife. An example of nature recovery in an urban setting.
• In Sunderland and Durham, Trust officers are currently supporting: the University of Sunderland; ICOS (International Community of Sunderland); Washington Wildlife Group; Age UK; Climate Action Sunderland; Back on the Map; Friends of Mowbray Park; Mowbray Park Community Garden; various Eco-Church initiatives including the Langley Park Church Group and the Washington Heritage Partnership.
• In January this year, a partnership with Oases, Mowbray Park Community Garden, Sunderland City Council and Friends of Mowbray Park led to a fantastic event named Nature on your Doorstep. This included a nature walk and a celebration of meaningful action in a diverse community.
   

Nextdoor Nature is a combination of nature, place and people, with nature recovery and community cohesion at its heart.

Click here to find out more about how we can help your community,