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, three 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; and cohort three will engage communities between Dundee and Aberdeen.

Cohort 3 applications are now closed

Applications for cohort three, which will focus on communities along the East Coast from Dundee to Aberdeen are now closed. We are currently reviewing applications and will be in touch shortly with applicants. 

Nextdoor Nature Events

Cohort one of our Nextdoor Nature Pioneers Programme have attended a wide variety of events, learning skills in wildlife surveying, storytelling, nature photography, tree planting and more!

Watch our pioneers as they learn something new at each event.

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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