Lottery-funded nature projects boost city wildlife

A charity which was given a share of £5m in National Lottery funding to support wildlife says it has seen positive results.

The Avon Wildlife Trust's Nextdoor Nature programme has been working with four groups in inner-city Bristol.

Projects included converting neglected land in Redcliffe into a community garden, and building a new wildlife pond in Barton Hill.

The projects were some of 1,600 that took place in communities across the UK.

Since 2022 the Avon Wildlife Trust worked with communities in Redcliffe, St George, Easton and Barton Hill.

In Redcliffe, where volunteers at community centre Faithspace built a community garden, Missioner Sarah James said she was pleased with how it turned out.

"People will tell you ‘It will get vandalised’ and ‘nobody is interested’ but on the whole people will be really pleased and pat you on the back to say 'good job',” she said.

In Easton, residents of Camerton Road used the funding to install planters on the street.

The idea was started by resident Estelle, who messaged her local Whatsapp group to see if her neighbours wanted to get involved.

Her street was closed for the day for the planters to be built, with local businesses donating cakes, beer and food for the volunteers.

"It feels beautiful doing something for your neighbours," she said.

Julie Doherty, Head of Communities and Engagement, Avon Wildlife Trust, said: “When communities are supported to make a difference for nature, creative things happen, connecting nature and people together.

"I’m excited by the knowledge that these changes form part of a sustainable legacy as more people become inspired to take action for nature where they live."

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