A major new community-led nature recovery programme is set to transform urban neighbourhoods across Kent and Medway, helping residents take action for nature while building stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
Wilder Streets, Wilder Lives, led by Kent Wildlife Trust and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, will run until 2029 in some of Kent and Medway's most resource-deprived urban areas, including Chatham, Dover and Herne Bay.
Delivered in partnership with Arches Local, Dover Big Local, Beach Creative and Ethnic Minorities in Canterbury (EMIC), the programme will support local people to improve green spaces, develop new skills and lead environmental action in their communities.
Nina Jones, Wilder Engagement Manager at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: "We're incredibly excited about Wilder Streets, Wilder Lives. It's a real opportunity to bring nature recovery into the heart of our towns and neighbourhoods and to support communities to shape greener, healthier places where they live. By focusing on urban areas where access to quality green space can be limited, we have a real opportunity to create benefits that are both environmental and social. We expect the impact to be wide-reaching — from improving habitats and supporting biodiversity to helping people build skills, confidence and stronger connections within their communities."
Through a range of activities including green skills training, flexible volunteering opportunities, sustainable living workshops, school engagement and community-led greening projects, residents will be empowered to shape the places where they live, learn and work.
The programme aims to engage more than 5,300 people, deliver over 150 activities and events, and support a range of community greening projects that will leave a lasting legacy for both people and wildlife.
Jackson Fraser-Hague, Director of Arches Local CIC, said: "We're pleased to be partnering with Kent Wildlife Trust to build on our efforts to green the grey in Chatham. By working together with local residents, we can create spaces that are better for nature, better for people's wellbeing and better for the whole community."
A key focus of Wilder Streets, Wilder Lives is ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to get involved in nature recovery. By working closely with underrepresented groups and adopting a community organising approach, the programme will help remove barriers to participation, build local leadership and improve access to green careers and volunteering opportunities.
As communities come together to take practical action for nature, the programme will contribute to increased biodiversity, greater climate resilience and more sustainable lifestyles, while helping people feel more confident, connected and empowered.
For more information and to find out how to get involved click here.
This opportunity has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund and the support of National Lottery players.
Arches Local team in action ©️Dan Higginson