Nature programme brings city communities together

Community groups and individuals have been taking action for nature in inner city areas of Derby as part of a programme run by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

The Nextdoor Nature programme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has enabled wildlife trusts across the country to collaborate with communities over the past two years, including many across Derby’s Arboretum and Normanton areas.

It gives people the skills, tools and opportunity to take action for nature – with community organiser, Adam Dosunmu Slater, supporting local groups, schools and Derby City Council to deliver local initiatives to bring about big changes.

The initiative has empowered communities to take ownership of local green spaces, facilitated the creation of a ‘green corridor’ between Normanton and Arboretum Parks, and improved pockets of green space for urban wildlife.

Society Place, a walkway in Arboretum, has been transformed into a wildlife garden, while Normanton Road’s planters saw a much-needed community renovation.

Working alongside the city council’s Neighbourhood’s Team and local artist Todd Jerm, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust facilitated the design for the mural from young people at the Pakistan Community Centre.

Their artwork of local wildlife formed the basis of the design that features across the tiered planters on the high street.

There are now plans for a wildlife area at Normanton Park, designed and built by Dale Primary School and the local Friends of community group with funding from East Midlands Airport Eco Schools Fund.

Work has started on the site, with students creating a bug hotel and plans to plant trees in the coming weeks.

Adam said: “Working with communities and bringing their ideas to life is the best way to create space for nature.

“It brings lasting results and it’s amazing what can happen if organisations have someone helping to facilitate the community into action.

“The Nextdoor Nature project has been a great opportunity, and I feel very proud of the changes we have achieved in the local area.

“Working with community groups to create community gardens, educating local people on the wildlife around them and giving more people chances to access green space has been incredibly rewarding.

“I will be continuing my community organising work in the Derby city area and I hope we can make more community spaces and initiatives that benefit both the people and wildlife in Derby.”

Councillor Sarah Chambers, the city council’s cabinet member for cost of living, equalities and communities, said: “Bringing nature into this bustling community close to the city centre has brought the community together to transform overlooked spaces into pleasant places for everyone to enjoy.”