View from Herrington Hill towards Penshaw Monument
City of Nature Sunderland
City of Nature Sunderland is a three-year community project helping people across Sunderland connect with nature, improve wellbeing and take action for the environment in their local communities.
The project is delivered by Durham Wildlife Trust in partnership with ICOS and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
City of Nature will work with community groups across the city to design and deliver inclusive nature-based activities that bring people closer to the natural world while supporting a greener, healthier Sunderland.
What the project will do
Over the next three years, the City of Nature project will:
- Work with communities to co-design seasonal nature-based activities and workshops
- Support people to connect with local green spaces and wildlife
- Encourage community-led environmental action
- Promote wellbeing, learning and skills through nature
- Help more people feel confident to take positive action for the environment
Activities will take place across the city and may include nature discovery sessions, wildlife walks, growing activities, practical conservation work and creative nature workshops.
Working with communities
City of Nature is particularly focused on working with communities who may not traditionally have access to environmental activities or who face barriers to engaging with nature.
We want to work alongside community organisations to develop activities that are:
- welcoming and inclusive
- shaped by the interests of local people
- accessible and relevant to different communities
By listening to communities and working together, the project aims to support people to build confidence, develop new skills and take part in shaping a more nature-friendly city.
Would you like to get involved?
We are currently building partnerships with community organisations across Sunderland.
We would love to hear from you if your group would like to:
- host a nature-based activity or workshop
- explore ways to connect your community with nature
- develop community-led environmental activities
Community groups, charities and organisations are invited to get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
Contact: Dorinda Kealoha City of Nature Officer
Email: mail@durhamwt.co.uk
City of Nature Officer
Dorinda Kealoha - City of Nature Officer
Dorinda Kealoha is the City of Nature Officer at Durham Wildlife Trust and leads the delivery of the City of Nature Sunderland project.
Dorinda has extensive experience in environmental engagement and community development, having worked across the charity, education and local authority sectors. Her work has focused on helping communities connect with nature, build environmental knowledge and confidence, and take practical action for sustainability.
She is passionate about supporting inclusive community participation in nature and working collaboratively with organisations and residents across Sunderland to create opportunities for people to experience and care for their local environment.
