The Wildlife Trusts
The Nextdoor Nature Community Celebrations - July 2023
The Nextdoor Nature Community Celebrations
Two weeks, fifty events, hundreds of people: communities across the UK are coming together this July to celebrate the work of The Wildlife Trust’s Nextdoor Nature project and to launch an inspiring new website of support and ideas – The Nextdoor Nature Hub.
This programme lists all the events happening across the UK. Please note that not all are open to the public - this is made clear in the event listing. For more information, please contact the local Trust directly by clicking the link in the listing. Note also that some Trusts are running more than one event - keep on scrolling to find more!
Dathliadau Cymunedol Natur Drws Nesaf
Dwy wythnos, hanner cant o ddigwyddiadau, cannoedd o bobl: mae cymunedau ledled y DU yn dod at ei gilydd ym mis Gorffennaf i ddathlu gwaith prosiect Natur Drws Nesaf yr Ymddiriedolaethau Natur ac i lansio gwefan newydd ysbrydoledig o gefnogaeth a syniadau – Hwb Natur Drws Nesaf.
Mae'r rhaglen yma’n rhestru'r holl ddigwyddiadau sy'n cael eu cynnal ledled y DU. Sylwch nad ydi pob un yn agored i'r cyhoedd - mae hyn yn cael ei nodi’n glir ar y rhestr o ddigwyddiadau. Am ragor o wybodaeth, cysylltwch â'ch Ymddiriedolaeth leol yn uniongyrchol drwy glicio ar y ddolen ar y rhestr. Sylwch hefyd bod rhai Ymddiriedolaethau yn cynnal mwy nag un digwyddiad - daliwch ati i sgrolio i gael gwybod mwy!
Download the full PDF programme here!
Throughout July
Isle of Man - open events
Team Wilder on tour! Community Ranger Hannah and Team Wilder Coordinator Lucy will be going on tour in July in a bell tent, pitching up in the heart of residential areas across the Island to meet people and find out what they love about where they live. They will be joined by their brand-new Team Wilder mascot to give a friendly welcome to everyone who stops by to say hello. The Manx Wildlife Trust website.
Wed 5 July
Scotland - closed event
Scotland’s innovative Community Organising training programme will be celebrating the success of their first cohort on the Nextdoor Nature Pioneers Programme with a closed event. The Pioneers will share their stories and plans for the future with friends and family. The Scottish Wildlife Trust Pioneers Programme.
Sat 8 July
Gloucestershire – open event
A free event open to all at the School House Café, St Paul’s Road, Cheltenham. Join community members to chat about their work with an even wider audience. There’ll be displays of work, plants for people to grow from Project Grow, a presentation from Monkscroft Action Group about their community garden, and a free cream tea for all attendees! The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust website.
Hertfordshire and Middlesex - open joint event
Cassiobury Park in Watford hosts Wildfest! It’s a celebration of all the local community groups and organisations that are working to make the Watford area better for people and wildlife. Free, and open to the public 10am to 4pm, with toilets and cafe on site. Enjoy bird walks, nature crafts, discovering river creatures, all whilst finding out how you can help support the amazing species that call this area home. This event is also sponsored by Affinity Water. The Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust website.
Leicestershire and Rutland - open joint event
Join them at Timber Festival in the National Forest! This family-focused event hosts a range of activities and Nextdoor Nature will have a lively stand with tons to see, do and learn. Come and say hi! Please note this is a ticketed event: buy them here. The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust website.
Lincolnshire – closed event
An established village Nextdoor Nature group in South Lincolnshire are holding a community work party to create the central fire pit feature as part of the site’s evolution. The group will be then camping out with bat watching, moth trapping, star gazing and a BBQ. Breakfast will be cooked on the new fire pit! The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website.
Lancashire – closed events
Insects and pollinators are the community’s focus! There will be art workshops focusing on insect life on the local meadows, including flags and puppets, a celebratory walk and a picnic. These are closed events held at the community centres. The Lancashire Wildlife Trust website.
North Wales - open event
Community Garden Corwen 2-5pm, in the centre of the town, (next to the newly opened railway station). Discover how communities across the region are growing locally for themselves, their community and for nature. Free coffee, cake and fresh garden produce to take home. Learn how to cook from the plot, find out more about wildlife gardening and how Natur drws nesaf / Nextdoor Nature can help you make a difference in your community.
Gardd Cymunedol Corwen 2-5yp, yng nghanol y dre (drws nesaf I’r orsaf newydd). Darganfyddwch sut mae cymunedau ar draws yr ardal yn tyfu ar gyfer ei hunain, ei cymunedau ac er lles natur. Lluniaeth am ddim, a chynnyrch ffres o’r ardd i fynd adref a chi . Dysgwch sut i goginio o’r pridd I’r plat, a draganfod mwy am arddio bywyd gwyllt a sut y gall Natur drws nesaf / Nextdoor Nature fod o gymorth ichi wneud gwahaniaeth yn eich cymuned. The North Wales Wildlife Trust website.
Sun 9 July
Leicestershire Leicestershire and Rutland - open joint event
See Saturday for details.
Tues 11 July
Cumbria - closed event
Nextdoor Nature have been working with primary schools in the area. Their celebration will share the stories from those involved in Nextdoor Nature, giving people the chance to chat over a drink and a piece of cake, to discuss ideas going forward and to celebrate the work that has already taken place. There’ll be a local storyteller, and all attendees will be invited to plant a pot of wildflower seeds on site to take home and plant at home. This is a closed event. The Cumbria Wildlife Trust website.
Radnorshire - closed event
The Nextdoor Nature project has been working with an arts centre and adults with learning disabilities to improve their garden. They’ll visit the Elan valley, have a nature walk to get inspiration then create some artwork with an artist. They’ll enjoy a light lunch from the café. The Radnorshire Wildlife Trust website.
Wed 12 July
Essex – open event
Martello Tower, Jaywick, 5pm-8pm. Essex’s Nextdoor Nature Festival will connect, share and celebrate four communities across Jaywick and Clacton-on-Sea. Each community will have a display space within Jaywick Martello Tower’s exhibition room. You’ll also have a chance to meet The Naze Nature Discovery Centre and Bird Aware Essex, listen to Sea Shanties Motely Crew and enjoy Mr Cadbury Essex ice cream! Tickets are free but need booking on Eventbrite. The Essex Wildlife Trust website.
Thur 13 July
Essex - open event
Grays Town Park 5pm-8pm. Essex’s Nextdoor Nature Festival will connect, share and celebrate five communities across Thurrock and Basildon. Each community will display and share their successes within Grays Town Park green space. You’ll also have a chance to meet K&B studios and Thurrock Play Network, listen to Grays Town Band and enjoy Piperoni Pizza! Tickets are free but need booking on Eventbrite. The Essex Wildlife Trust website.
Cumbria – closed event
Canal Street Community Garden invites their project participants and others to come and learn about Nextdoor Nature. Here’s a chance to chat to others who have already been involved over a drink and a piece of cake, to discuss ideas going forward and to celebrate the work that has already taken place. All attendees will be invited to plant a pot of wildflower seeds on site to take home and plant at home. This is a closed event The Cumbria Wildlife Trust website.
Fri 14 July
Warwickshire - open event
Nuneaton Museum & Riversley Park, Nuneaton, 1pm to 7pm. There’ll be a marquee outside the museum, showing films throughout the day. Come and chat at the listening post (parklet) and try out a range of Nature Connectedness activities throughout the day -explore macro photography walks, learn about five ways to wellbeing and join in with a family activity along the Wem Brook. The Warwickshire Wildlife Trust website.
Sat 15 July
Cheshire - open event
Park Life Café, Queen’s Park, Crewe – 10am-1pm. Connecting Crewe’s Communities with an informal ‘market hall’ style event. There’ll be talks, chats, and chances to connect with stakeholders, community groups, local businesses, and groups that are doing amazing things in Crewe - plus seed bomb making, a listening corner and a live art piece. The Cheshire Wildlife Trust website.
Gloucestershire – open event
The Nextdoor Nature project will invite members of communities to Discover DeCrypt in Gloucester. It’s a celebration of everything achieved so far, with displays, plants, and refreshments and you’ll be able to take home herbs and wildflowers planted in recycled china containers. The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust website.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight - open event
Southampton, 10am to 12noon: Freemantle Street Safari Would you like to make the Freemantle area greener? Do you need some inspiration? Perhaps you already have some ideas that you’d like to talk about. Join Chris and Gabi from Friends of Freshfield for a walk to look at some nature spots. We’ll see what wildlife we can find, and share ideas about what we can do to give nature a helping hand. Meet at 10am at Freemantle Baptist Church, Testwood Road, SO15 8RL. The walk will last about an hour, then we’ll go back to the church for refreshments. No need to book in advance. Contact Jill on wildersouthampton@hiwwt.org.uk for further information. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website.
Norfolk - closed event
A closed event for project partners and participants to enjoy a garden party where people can meet up and chat and generally have a nice time. It starts with a walk to explore some of the projects that have happened through Nextdoor Nature. Then there’s tea and cakes, a display of photos to showcase the projects so far, and a hands-on activity so that people can take something home to help wildlife where they live. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust website.
Nottinghamshire - closed event
A closed event for projects and partners to come together and share what’s been achieved, with lots of refreshments, activities and conversations. There will be activities including making bird feeders, decorating bee hotels, and discovering urban nature. We are inviting people to bring along surplus plans for a plant swap. Food will be provided by Veggies – including lots of cake! The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust website.
Surrey - open joint event
Zero Carbon Guildford, 14-16 Friary Street, Guildford, 10am-4pm with stalls within Zero and the nearby North Street rotunda. The event’s aim is to encourage people to take action for wildlife both at home and within their local communities, with a particular focus on urban areas. Nextdoor Nature will be hosting talks, showing films, offering a range of activities for families, and asking people to pledge to take action for nature. Talks at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Guildford Goes Wild webpage.
South and West Wales - open event
Taking place on Swansea beach, this event will start with a walk at 10.30am and litter pick along the Swansea Promenade (wheelchair accessible). At the end of the walk, we will celebrate the brilliant work people across Swansea have done for nature and showcase other projects from across the UK. Food provided. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales website.
Dorset – open event
Turlin Moor Community Garden Celebration Day alongside Bournemouth Christchurch Poole Homes, 11am at Turlin Moor Community Garden next to the Spa on Turlin Road. This event celebrates all the projects which have happened as a result of Nextdoor Nature in the area. It will also have a focus on gaining the community’s thoughts and ideas for the garden's use and enjoyment. The Dorset Wildlife Trust website.
Sheffield and Rotherham - open joint event
Ferham Fun Day, Ferham Park, Rotherham. Ferham Fun Day is an annual festival organised by local arts organisations and community members. Nextdoor Nature will have a stall with a wooden medallion making activity, sticky bracelets, a scavenger hunt and more fun for all ages. The Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust website.
Sun 16 July
Shropshire – closed event
Shropshire European Organisation connect with nature at a Local Nature Reserve. Shropshire European Organisation CIC, who support the Eastern European Community of Shropshire and Telford, plan to run nature walks and increase their experience and skills hosting campfires in a Local Nature Reserve. This event will be the first in a series, funded by Telford and Wrekin Council’s Green Spaces are Go funding, which will bring them together in an environment where they will be able to take a nature walk, explore a local nature reserve and have permission to organise traditional evening gathering around a fire with Eastern European singing. We will be supporting them in developing their fire skills, alongside exploring ways to connect with the local nature. The Shropshire Wildlife Trust website.
Tue 18 July
Herefordshire - closed event
In Leominster, the Nextdoor Nature project is holding a lunch for around 30 people involved with the project. There’ll be a chance to experience a mindfulness session in the woodland yurt, a nature-based craft session and a guided woodland walk. This will be followed by a buffet lunch and talks, as a way of thanking everyone for their involvement. The Herefordshire Wildlife Trust website.
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire – open event
Community Hall next to The Ujala Foundation. There’ll be refreshments for the community, with films and nature-friendly activities. The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust website.
Wed 19 July
Northumberland - closed event
This is a closed community event to celebrate the garden project at a community centre in Walker. It’s a summer garden celebration to connect residents of two over-55s sheltered housing complexes who rarely get to meet due to mobility issues. The Northumberland Wildlife Trust website.
Thur 20 July
Avon - open event
Come to The Wellspring Settlement at 43 Ducie Road, Bristol, BS5 0AX in the University of Bristol’s micro-campus walled garden. Join us to celebrate Bristol-based community gardening groups, with refreshments and a chance for networking. Come along and co-create communal art in the garden, meet local legends, share gardening ideas and tips and get involved with a range of nature-based activities. The Avon Wildlife Trust website
Devon – closed event
Belmont Park, Exeter will be holding a closed event of creative sessions (including a workshop from Double Elephant printing), workshops, speakers and networking. Communities will be invited to have stalls to celebrate what they have achieved this year as well as share their plans for their spaces in their local communities. Other teams from Devon Wildlife Trust will attend this joint event that will bring lots of people and groups together to share, learn and celebrate together! The Devon Wildlife Trust website.
Fri 21 July
Cornwall – closed event
Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change celebrates Wildlife Friendly Friday! This event will celebrate achievements of the Nextdoor Nature groups and individuals with a buffet, films, photos, poetry, craft, storytelling, a presentation and information. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust website.
Kent - closed event
Community participants will be taken to Dover Castle in the morning to see the red-billed chough education aviary. In the afternoon, there will be videos, a performance from the Music for Wellbeing nature project, and refreshments. Local volunteers will speak about their experience with nature, as well as local organisations and community members who’ve been involved. The Kent Wildlife Trust website.
Tees Valley - open event
Norton Quaker Meeting House is holding an open event for the community, 10.30-12.30pm. There’ll be films and a nature-based workshop run by a local company called Umbrella Hugs. Outside in the garden there will be craft and garden activities, sessions on wildlife-friendly gardening and sustainable food out in the garden with Climate Action North. There will be refreshments throughout the day provided by Barefoot Kitchen, a local sustainable food provider. The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust website.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight- open event
Isle of Wight, 10am-12 noon. Come Along And Meet Each Other (CAMEO) coffee morning at Sandown Library. Our Wilder Communities Officer will be attending this coffee morning to meet with the local community and share/collect stories. We’ll have a display with ideas and ways people can get involved. We will also be running a nature activity where folks can make and take home their own action for nature. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website.
Worcestershire - open event
At The Canopies, Redditch Town Centre, there’ll be an outdoor space undercover with seating, food and a projector to showcase films. There’ll be activities for people to take part in. Partners and community members will be invited. The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust website.
Sat 22 July
Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire - open event
Rushden Lakes Community Garden, NN10 6FA 1pm-4pm. Come and join the community groups who’ve been involved in the new community garden at Rushden Lakes. There’ll be lots of activities for everyone, including building a bug hotel from old pallets and canes, pinecone bird feeder making, painting a community mural and creating a wildlife pond. There’ll be films and photos, and some light refreshments. The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire website.
Durham - open event
Dawdon Community Centre, Seaham & Hazel Dene, Seaham, 10am-3.30pm. An invitation is extended to all local residents and the community of Dawdon and Seaham to mingle, connect and share their stories. There’ll be activities, stalls, guided tours of Hazel Dene, and the chance to meet lots of local organisations. A get-together of different communities and organisations across the region to support, connect and celebrate the people restoring nature and connecting people across the North East.The Durham Wildlife Trust website.
Northumberland - open event
The Bike Garden, Nuns Moor Park, Studley Terrace, Arthur’s Hill, NE4 9AU. 12-3pm. Join Greening Wingrove and Northumberland Wildlife Trust for a community celebration event in The Bike Garden. There will be lots of family friendly nature-based activities for all ages, food and music! We will be showcasing NWT’s community work with Nextdoor Nature films and showing off all the great work of the garden volunteers. The Northumberland Wildlife Trust website.
Staffordshire - open event
Sandyford Brook, Astonfields Road, Stafford, 11am to 2pm followed by a special “member’s hour.” This is a celebration of a year of Nextdoor Nature in Stafford. There’ll be showcasing two areas of wildflower meadow along with activities, such as Go Potty, and a talk about wildlife gardening with free wildflower seeds. There will be more activities, facepainting and refreshments. The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust website.
Sun 23 July
Suffolk - open event
The Hive, 27 – 29 Norwich Road, Ipswich. Come to a garden party to celebrate the work that has been achieved! There’ll be live music from local Ipswich bands and artists and speakers from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust Youth Board reading poetry, and Nextdoor Nature community members talking about the garden. There is an aim to record a radio show, host different activities, have storytelling, show films, and inspire others, with homemade pizzas cooked in the garden pizza oven. The Suffolk Wildlife Trust website.
Yorkshire – open event
Stirley Nature Reserve near Huddersfield, HD4 6FA is a #TeamWilder Empowerment Day, 1pm-4pm. A summer celebration of community action for wildlife. Connect with like-minded people and discover how communities across Yorkshire have come together to make a difference for nature with #TeamWilder. Be inspired by presentations and practical workshops to develop your ideas and build your skills to take the action nature needs. Come along to share what you’ve been doing for #TeamWilder or to find out how you can be get involved and help bring about the change we all need. Free but please book on Eventbrite here. The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website.
Wed 26 July
Yorkshire – closed event
Rooted in Hull, a community urban farm. Hull’s Nextdoor Nature groups will connect, share and celebrate their successes together, with opportunities for groups to network and share what they have been doing with each other. There’ll be opportunities for groups to share what they’ve been doing, along with a tour of the site and practical workshops and demonstrations. There’s a party vibe with pizzas cooked on site, celebratory drinks and cake! The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website.
Thur 27 July
Sussex - closed event
This closed event is a Forest School activity family taster day for up to 15 residents of the Farley Bank estate in Hastings, to celebrate nature, help build relationships and encourage action for wildlife. Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Forest School trainers will run the games and activities. The Sussex Wildlife Trust website.
Sat 29 July
Birmingham and the Black Country – open event
Ecopark, Hob Moor Rd, Birmingham B10 9HH, 1pm-4pm. This is a connecting event for organisations and young people interested in protecting nature to come together. Join us at our education centre Ecopark to learn more about fellow folk who are working to protect nature in our region, and how you can find collaborators or opportunities to get involved with. Refreshments and a gorgeous green space to stroll around will be provided! The event is part of our Roots In/Roots Out series; a network of opportunities, activities and events for young people to find their own meaningful routes in to connecting with and taking action for nature. The Birmingham and the Black Country Wildlife Trust website.
Derbyshire - open event
There will be a Nextdoor Nature showcase at the Derbion, Derby’s largest shopping centre. There’ll be an interactive map of the great projects in Derby’s inner city, films, and an array of nature connection activities. Attendees will find out about volunteering opportunities, how to take action, and make a pledge for nature. Partners will be invited to speak about their work. The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust website.
Sun 30 July
Isles of Scilly - open event
On Porthcressa Beach (weather dependent), join this National Marine Week event, celebrating the marine nature on the Isles of Scilly. A celebration for all ages! This will bring the Nextdoor Nature communities together to celebrate and share what they’ve achieved, and inspire others. Come and see photos of Scilly through the ages, with crafts for kids, and even facepainting. The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust website.
Sat 19 Aug
Hampshire and Isle of Wight - open joint event
In Portsmouth there will be a stand at an existing large Portsmouth event to engage with the public on the Nextdoor Nature project. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website.
Sun 27 August
Montgomeryshire - open event
Open mic for nature @ Camp Plas, Dolanog, Welshpool, SY21 0NA from 4pm for family activities; 6pm bar and BBQ; 7pm live band and open mic. An event to offer the stage to a variety of creative people of all ages: poets, musicians, creative dance, storytellers, creative writers, yogis, singers, in both English & Welsh, as an opportunity to share their stories/passion/connections/understanding of nature, performed in a range of mediums making it widely accessible for everyone. This is an opportunity to connect like-minded people that may feel hopeless, or overwhelmed at the state of nature, and will inspire local people to act collectively for change as well as celebrate the communities individual and group efforts they have made so far. We will be also offering nature connection family friendly activities before the music starts. You are welcome to bring a picnic or stay for the BBQ & Bar! Free event but booking advised to ensure enough food. Contact Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust for more information.
Sat-Sun 23-24 Sept
Lincolnshire - open joint event
Come to the Wilder Lincolnshire Festival! [DETAILS - where, etc?] This is a celebration of 75 years of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, bringing together communities, past and present winners of Lincs Environment Awards, Trustees, members, staff, public and so on. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust website.
Sat 14 October
Somerset - open event
Wilder 2023 – together for nature in Somerset, 11am-3pm The Canalside, Bridgwater is a day of celebration and sharing, for individuals and communities, who want to create a wilder future together. Whatever your wild interest and inspirations come and join in a morning of sharing ideas and encouragement, followed by lunch and an afternoon session exploring a local nature recovery project. Booking essential, pay-what-you can with fully subsidised spaces available www.somersetwildlife.org/events