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Flagship UK-wide nature project shows people-power dramatically helps wildlife and communities

Credit Paul Harris/2020VISION

London Wildlife Trust’s Nextdoor Nature project has collaborated with twelve communities across London, including groups in Tower Hamlets, Haringey, Greenwich, and Hammersmith, to take actions for nature. Working in collaboration with over 200 under-represented young people through partnership and community collaboration.

A report published today reveals the striking results of the National Lottery Heritage Fund £5 million Nextdoor Nature programme which supported community projects taking action for nature across the country. As a result, 95% of participants noted improved collaboration between residents, local organisations, and community groups, while 82% felt that local communities now have a stronger role in making decisions about local wildlife.

The Nextdoor Nature Programme united communities across the UK to help nature thrive in their neighborhoods. Through the collaborative efforts of 44 Wildlife Trusts the programme prioritised historically excluded communities with limited access to green spaces. Originally aimed at reaching 200 communities, the programme far surpassed expectations, engaging over 1,600 communities with the power of grassroots organising and a shared passion for recovering nature.

Three children examine a fallen tree trunk surrounded by grass

By listening to each community’s unique needs and supporting their ideas, the programme empowered people to take action locally, fostering both environmental improvement and enhanced wellbeing. This initiative marks a fresh approach for the Wildlife Trusts, with 52% now embedding community organising principles permanently and 56% actively collaborating with non-environmental community groups. Together, these efforts strengthen our connections to local communities, creating lasting positive change for both people and wildlife.

Over the last two years, powerful transformations have taken place in London communities that have historically been excluded from environmental decision-making. Our collaboration in Poplar with Splash Arts CIC, Neighbours in Poplar and Docklands Light Railway fostered a vibrant community hub centred around nature, art, and environmental stewardship.

Group of people working on a planting project

Through initiatives like an after-school club, co-designed with input from local parents and guardians, the project has empowered young people in Poplar with nature-related skills and creative activities, including mural-making and wildlife gardening.

The project’s success owes much to community figures like Sister Christine, a local organiser, who helped bridge connections, and to the adaptable, inclusive approach that addresses the specific needs of Poplar's diverse communities. This initiative highlights the importance of accessible green spaces and serves as a model for grassroots engagement, showing how collective action can create lasting, positive change.

“We don't have enough activities that bring people together here in Poplar, especially for the kids. This club has been amazing—it’s given the young people a chance to be creative and learn about nature...this has been a real opportunity for them to have fun and learn about how they can do something positive for the area, now we have this amazing garden we all created together!"
Zainab, community member

Read more about our Nextdoor Nature projects by clicking here.

As we continue to champion nature recovery across London, Nextdoor Nature’s legacy will live on through the community organising skills it has fostered. We remain committed to working with local communities build on these skills and become lasting agents of change for nature recovery in London.

Nextdoor Nature launched in 2022 – here are some of the key moments:

 

Read Power to the People: Nextdoor Nature's legacy for communities and wildlife here. along with films, maps and further case studies and stories.

Nextdoor Nature logo bar.

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