Championing Nature, a new programme aimed at creating positive, lasting impact in urban communities through greater connections and engagement with nature, has launched.
The multi-million-pound programme will be delivered by four Wildlife Trusts: the London Wildlife Trust; Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust; the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside; and Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
During the next six years, these Wildlife Trusts will each receive investment from The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Emirates to fund bespoke projects and initiatives in their local urban areas, with a particular focus on bringing disadvantaged children, young people aged 16-24, and families closer to nature, and creating a lasting infrastructure legacy for the benefit of future generations.
Research conducted on behalf of the four Wildlife Trusts indicated that roughly one out of eight children from low socio-economic backgrounds aged under 12 has never experienced nature. Lack of green space facilities nearby (21%) and the cost of transport (17%) to get to the nearest green space facilities were identified by parents as two of the key barriers to their children spending more time in nature. Parents identified improved mood (48%), overall happiness (48%), more active (42%) and better physical health (35%) as the top positive changes within their children after they had spent time in nature.
Championing Nature was officially launched at the AELTC’s Community Tennis Centre at Raynes Park, with representatives of the four Wildlife Trusts, All England Club and Emirates joined by programme ambassador Steve Backshall MBE to mark a collective commitment to creating lasting change through positive community engagement and increased connection to nature.
Steve Backshall MBE, who is renowned for his lifelong passion and commitment to nature, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable benefits that a closer connection to nature and the outdoors can provide. The Championing Nature programme is a great opportunity to encourage children, young people and families living in urban environments to discover and explore the green spaces around them. Through my role as President of Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, I’m familiar with the fantastic work these organisations do to protect wildlife and enhance the natural environment. The four Wildlife Trusts have some exciting plans ready to roll out, thanks to the support of the Championing Nature programme, and I am looking forward to seeing the positive difference they will make to the lives of many.
Each Wildlife Trust will deliver a bespoke programme to make nature more accessible through a combination of infrastructure projects, learning initiatives and engaging outreach events.
“This new partnership is an amazing opportunity to scale up our efforts to engage urban communities with nature as never before,” commented Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Chief Executive.
“Championing Nature is ambitious and long term in its approach so we can enable communities to connect to wild places in more meaningful ways. It will be an ongoing celebration of how transformative connecting with nature can be in everyone’s daily lives. We are very excited to be part of this journey to increasing nature awareness and appreciation and the wellbeing of people from all backgrounds.”
Northumberland Wildlife Trust will increase nature connection for children and young people through educator upskilling, school partnerships, nature reserve visits and a youth activism programme. The Trust is in the final stages of tendering for the provision of managing a section of a much-loved country park in North Tyneside for the next 40 years. If the Trust is successful, it will co-design the investment with the local community which would go towards improved engagement infrastructure within the section it will manage.
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