Nature Neighbourhoods will also be given access to Co-op's unique network of Member Pioneers, who bring people together to inspire and empower them to change the game. Member Pioneers work to tackle the big issues Co-op members and their communities care about, to connect and co-operate to create happy, healthy communities for everyone.
Representing the Save Our Wild Isles partnership, Jack Lundie, Director of Campaigns and Engagement at WWF, Alice Hardiman, Director of Campaigns and Mobilisation at the RSPB, and Mark Funnell, Communications and Campaigns Director at the National Trust, said: “The People’s Plan for Nature gives charities like ours a clear mandate. Citizens representing the whole of the UK told us they want more action in their communities to protect and restore nature, and we know that nature can offer hope during difficult times. Through Nature Neighbourhoods, we’re going to boost support for this kind of local action.
“The community organisations and leaders we’re partnering with are uniquely placed to bring local voices together. They’ll use this platform to make decisions on how to address the nature and climate crisis at a local level, developing people-powered plans for change. We’re very grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and to Co-op for supporting this shared mission, and we are so excited to be working with a brilliant range of organisations to make a difference for nature in communities across the UK.”
Guy Stuart, Director of Technical, Agriculture and Sustainability at Co-op said: “Our members tell us how concerned they are around the effects of the climate crisis on people and the planet. Nature restoration and the halting of biodiversity-loss forms a central part on our approach to climate action, so our partnership with Nature Neighbourhoods is a landmark moment.
“With a presence in every postal area in the country, we’re perfectly positioned to support directly into communities, through Co-op members and colleagues and our Member Pioneers. Through the power of co-operation, we can drive lasting change and help vulnerable communities restore nature, making them a better place to work, play, live and learn.”
Mel Eaglesfield, Deputy Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re delighted to fund the Nature Neighbourhoods project, which will support communities across the UK by working with trusted and knowledgeable voluntary and community partners to help improve people’s access to nature.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this innovative partnership is putting communities at the forefront of environmental action and empowering people to deliver meaningful, local change that matters to them.”
Nature Neighbourhoods:
Scotland: Leith, Granton (Edinburgh); Hamiltonhill Claypits (Glasgow).
Wales: Maindee (Gwent Levels), Pwllheli (Gwynedd), Neyland (South Pembs).
Northern Ireland: Belfast Harbour, Ligoniel (Belfast).
England: Newton Heath, Platt Fields (Manchester); Islington (London); Nechells, Castle Vale (Birmingham); Slades Park / West Winton / Wallisdown (Bournemouth); Keyham, Devonport (Plymouth); Heaton (Newcastle); Lincoln Green (Leeds)