Imagine living in a neighbourhood where nature thrives, where there is a strong sense of community spirit and where people pull together to help each other and their local wildlife.

Many of us would like to see more nature in our local area but it can often be hard to know where to start. Through the Nextdoor Nature project, the Trust is working with partner organisations and communities to empower individuals to organise action for nature within their community. We believe that it is only by facilitating community-led conservation in this way that nature will begin to recover at a Scotland-wide scale. You can find out more about our approach to engagement here.

 

Nextdoor Nature identity

About the programme

The Pioneers Programme is at the heart of the Nextdoor Nature project in Scotland. Involving a combination of online learning, interactive webinars and in-person events, this free skills development course aims to provide participants with the understanding, resources and confidence they need to be able to organise action for nature where they live.

The six-month programme covers a wide range of topics, from how to engage others in the community to how to identify practical actions for nature. As well as learning new knowledge and skills, participants will be guided through an initial community project that helps deliver on-the-ground action for nature.

During the two years of Nextdoor Nature, four regionally-focused cohorts of participants will go through the Pioneers Programme. Cohort one focused on communities in and around Greater Glasgow; cohort two worked with those in and around the Forth catchment; cohort three is engaging communities between Dundee and Aberdeen; and cohort four will work with communities in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian.

Nextdoor Nature Events

Our Pioneers attend a wide variety of events during the programme, learning skills in wildlife surveying, storytelling, nature photography, tree planting and more!

Watch our event round ups to find out more.

Nextdoor Nature is bringing communities together to help nature flourish where they live and work. Thanks to £5 million 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.

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The Nextdoor Nature Pioneers Programme is supported by

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