The Scottish Wildlife Trust has launched a new community-focused website designed to inspire and support communities to take action for nature.
Developed as part of the National Lottery-funded Nextdoor Nature project, the site includes a series of immersive case studies showcasing some of the best examples of community-led conservation in Scotland.
The case studies – which are a mix of written, audio and video content – range in scale from a group of residents in the Ayrshire village of Symington, who are boosting habitat for their local pollinators, to the population of Eigg, who purchased the island more than 26 years ago and have managed it for both wildlife and people ever since.
© Scottish Wildlife Trust
“While we’ve only been able to feature a handful of examples, there are many fantastic stories of communities pulling together and taking action for wildlife in Scotland,” commented Pete Haskell, the Trust’s Head of Communications and Engagement.
“Many of these begin with just one or two determined individuals wanting to see change happen but communities can and do rally behind a cause. We hope that the inspiring stories presented on our new website will give more people the confidence to start the proverbial ball rolling where they live.”
The website also includes a growing resource library designed to support communities in delivering action for nature.
Through the Nextdoor Nature project, the Trust has worked with more than 30 communities across Scotland so far via its Pioneers Programme, designed to give participants the necessary skills required to lead action for nature where they live.
Thanks to an extension of the project to the end of October, a fourth cohort of individuals will now be supported through the programme.
From April to September, the project team will work with people from communities in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian. Past participants of the programme have gone on to create community wildlife gardens, design local nature trails and support people in becoming more connected with local wildlife.
The Nextdoor Nature project is made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “I am delighted that The Scottish Wildlife Trusts have worked so successfully with over 30 communities across Scotland on a range of projects, from protecting marine habitats to creating a thriving community hub. Nextdoor Nature illustrated how important it is that local communities take an active role in caring for and connecting to nature, and this website will provide inspiration to others and show how local communities can get involved. The Nextdoor Nature programme furthers our vision for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.”
Visit the community site here.
© Scottish Wildlife Trust