Research shows that people are more likely to change their behaviour if people like them and people that they trust are already doing those behaviours. Similarly, people are more likely to have the confidence to try something new if there’s a supportive community doing it.

What is taking action for nature?

It’s useful to take global problems, like the ecological emergency, and make them relevant to our day-to-day lives. Did you know, for example, that the total area of gardens in the UK is greater than that of nature reserves? Taking action for nature can be done on a small scale at home and can be anything from planting pollinator-friendly seeds or plants in pots, having a small patch in your garden that you leave to grow wild, having native hedges, making mini ponds, bug or bee hotels, not using pesticides, installing birdboxes, or simply sharing what wildlife you’ve seen with neighbours and on social media.

All small actions make a big difference and benefits both people and wildlife.

You can also take action for nature in the community by tidying up or improving local spaces through a litter pick, helping out – or even creating - a community garden, getting involved in food growing, seed swaps, local nature groups, encouraging wildlife friendly gardening and joining them through nature corridors (which can be as simple as each neighbour having a hole in their fence to allow hedgehogs safe passage!), volunteering, holding community events in local green spaces and more.

How to get involved and do something for nature

It’s easy to get involved. On our website, you’ll find local advice about wildlife gardening, bee hotels of all shapes and sizes, dead hedges and natural barriers, ponds and bee hotels and more. Start small and don’t be afraid to fail! See what worked and what didn’t for people local to Bristol and prepare to be inspired!

Resources have also been developed to help people start up groups, get funding, open a bank account as a community group, get insurance, explanations about councils and local authorities, risk assessments, fundraising events, taking over green spaces and more with relevant links and advice from people who have done it all before!

Be part of something bigger

There’s also a Team Wilder online map where you can upload details about what you’ve done for nature, and see what else in happening near you! You might see someone on your street has planted wildflowers or made a hedgehog hole – by joining forces you could create a green corridor and a hedgehog highway. By seeing who else has a pond, you can see more opportunities for wildlife to thrive and connect the actions.

Upload your action for nature to the map

Help motivate others by sharing what you’re doing for nature at home, in the community, at work or school and connect the actions. All small and large actions make a big difference! If you’re part of a community group or project, add the details to the map and attract new members, show the amazing things you do, be part of something bigger with the Wildlife Trusts and share/access knowledge and resources to collaborate together.

Avon Wildlife Trust wants to bring wildlife back to our area and we need your help. We can achieve this together as Team Wilder!