Everybody's happy in nature. Image by Natasha Hemsley.
Wildlife charity inviting everybody to a celebration garden party this July
It’s garden party season this July and, not to be outdone, Northumberland Wildlife Trust has joined forces with Greening Wingrove and Arthur’s Hill CIC to host an outdoor party of their own.
On Saturday 22 July, between 12 noon and 3.00pm, as part of the national Nextdoor Nature campaign that supports community projects to help nature across the UK, everybody is invited to a free party in The Bike Garden in Nunsmoor Park, in the heart of Arthur’s Hill in Newcastle.
Nextdoor Nature is The Wildlife Trusts’ flagship people and nature programme which is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Between 8th and 23rd July, 50 events will be taking place across the UK to connect, share and celebrate taking action for nature from Scotland to the Isles of Scilly.
For the past year, Natasha Hemsley, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Nextdoor Nature project officer has been working with residents, young people, community groups and care homes in Newcastle: Benwell & Scotswood, Elswick, Wingrove, Arthur’s Hill, Byker, and Walker to make better places for wildlife, nature and people on their doorstep.
The free event Saturday 22July will include lots of family friendly nature-based activities for all ages including games, story time, face painting, food and live music.
The Nextdoor Nature team will be showcasing its community work through film as well as showing off the amazing work of The Bike Garden volunteers.
Natasha Hemsley, Nextdoor Nature project officer says:
“It’s really fitting that the outdoor party is being held in The Bike Garden as it was set up as a community space - something the Nextdoor Nature project is working to create across Newcastle.
“It’s going to be a great event, but don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself. Everybody’s welcome and everything’s free!”
For further information visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/nextdoor-nature-community-celebrations
Also, as part of the national celebration, The Wildlife Trusts have created the new online Nextdoor Nature Hub providing free advice on a wide range of subjects to help groups doing nature recovery projects at a grassroots level.
‘How to’ guides include advice on:
- How to take over green space in your area
- The importance of local species
- Creating a community group
- Working across multiple languages
- Getting support from businesses
The hub is designed to be accessible to all, using simple language and video explainers.
People are also being encouraged to upload stories to the Nextdoor Nature Hub about what they are doing to help wildlife in their communities.