About Nextdoor Nature

Nextdoor Nature was introduced to expand how we connect with community and work together to take action for nature on our doorsteps. With the aim of supporting young people in London to lead the way in their communities, creating space for people and nature on their doorstep. London Wildlife Trust's Communities and Youth Communications Officer, Lois Donegal facilitated this programme all over London, working alongside young people aged 11-25 from the following communities who have been historically excluded from the nature conservation sector: Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic communities, young people with special educational needs and disabilities, those who live in socio-economically disadvantaged areas of London and young women.

The Impact
Due to the work on the Nextdoor Nature programme, young people in Tower Hamlets worked with a local arts charity to create a art and nature focused after schools club and wildlife sensory garden, various communities created new wildlife focused clubs and workshops to improve their local green spaces, we collaborated with other wildlife trust to explore what it takes to community organise and take action for nature. Thank you to every person that reached out to be involved in Nextdoor Nature, their is so much support out there in your own community to start creating change, unsure where to start? Why not start with The Nextdoor Nature Hub.

Here we celebrate a project in Poplar, Tower Hamlets where we supported the local Community in partnership with Splash Arts CIC, Neighbours in Poplar and Docklands Light Railway in creating a nature and art focuses community hub alongside planning and creating a wildlife garden. Over time the community hub grew to be a intergenerational exchange with the young people and elder who shared the space, expanding outwards to the young people supporting local elderly people to green up their gardens on the local estate. From improving local green spaces to creating community gardens, the results show the incredible impact of listening, supporting, and turning local ideas into reality! Let’s celebrate these amazing community-driven efforts to make nature part of everyone’s life. Videography and edit by Fatima Yasmin.

Meet Nazia Sultana, Founder of Sustainably Muslim and a true community champion! Nazia turned her passion for nature and community into action, creating a sensory garden and offering workshops that connect faith with the environment. In this Nextdoor Nature spotlight, listen into a conversation with our Communities and Youth Officer Lois, exploring how Nazia and her team have inspired positive change for nature and people in their community. Their story shows that all you need to make a difference is an idea, the will to act, and support from those around you. Tune in to be inspired by their journey and learn how you too can create change in your local area. Videography and edit by Fatima Yasmin.

Why was this programme needed?

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and research shows 85% of people in nature-deprived areas say more natural spaces would improve their quality of life. The majority also say that having access to local natural spaces is more important post-pandemic. Nextdoor Nature enabled people to make this happen and in doing so, take steps to tackle the nature and climate crisis whilst also addressing important health and wellbeing needs.

Need some inspiration to start creating change on your door step?

Check out these individuals who have lead the way in their communities taking action for nature!

• Tayshan Hayden Smith created Grow 2 Know when members of the community unified through guerrilla gardening as a way of healing in response to the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Does your community need a space to come together or heal and could you help create that space?
• Choked up are a collective of black & brown teens living in areas affected worst by air pollution in London. Together they campaign for cleaner air for their communities. Could you bring attention to an environmental issue affecting your community?
• Grow N22 and young people at Rising Green Youth Hub are working together to create a wild flower meadow around the youth centre. Do you have a community space that could be regreened with a little guidance of where to start?

About Nextdoor Nature

Nextdoor Nature brought communities together to help nature flourish where they live and work! Thanks to £5million funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Nextdoor Nature will provide people with the advice and support they need to help nature on their doorstep, and leave a lasting natural legacy to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.