Nextdoor Nature- Somer Valley

Nextdoor Nature is a national campaign by The Wildlife Trusts and part of Team Wilder’s community-led action for nature’s recovery. The campaign aims at empowering and resourcing people to take action for nature!

We want to help you reach your community, get the training you need and support you to develop the skills you need to act as environmental champions in the Somer Valley.

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Sign up to the Somer Valley Nextdoor Nature Newsletter

Email:

Stephanie.sharkey@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Rhea.warner@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Phone (call, text or WhatsApp): 07421226080

Read our recent and historic newsletters

Writhlington Spring Clean (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf4OcQu5ujg)

Our four projects in the Somer Valley

Writhlington- Manor Copse

A local resident got in touch with us regarding a poorly used play area in Writhlington. We are working in collaboration with local residents to explore ways to increase community use of the Manor Copse woodland and playpark and introduce areas that will be of benefit to local wildlife.

So far we have enjoyed some really lovely community events, including a forest school session and a bat walk. We have lots more events coming up this year; if you would like to join the Whats app group and be part of these conversations, please email Rhea.Warner@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, who will add you.

Manor Copse Play Park October 2023. Sadly nobody is using this park but the local community needs places to take their children to play in nature.

The Manor Copse woodland has great potential but has issues with flytipping.

Bath College, Radstock

A Somer Valley Bath College Campus staff member contacted us for support in encouraging native flora and fauna to the college grounds. Since the Horticulture course was stopped, much of the grounds were going to waste. Conversations are now brewing to establish a gardening and wildlife conservation group, to encourage use of the Somer Valley campus green space, improve habitats for wildlife and provide a fun, social space for students and staff to learn new skills and spend time outdoors.

If you are interested in getting involved, reach out to Rhea: Rhea.warner@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Peasedown

A member of staff working at The Hive Community Centre had a great idea to create an accessible sensory garden to attract insects. However, following conversations with The Hive and the community we are now expanding the project to the wider village. We have been supporting Ashdown Cemetary with their grounds and will continue to listen to the community through wildlife events we have planned this year. If you would like to be part of these conversations, please reach out to Rhea who can add you to the Whats app group Rhea.warner@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Rhea and Kelly from The Avon Wildlife Trust had a great time at The Hive Community Centre's Open Day on Saturday 3rd February, talking with locals about this exciting new garden project. Ideas were developed further with a visit from Amie, Avon Wildlife Trust’s Community Ecologist, who has written an ecology report with suggestions to support wildlife habitats in the space. People are enthusiastic to build a pond, improve the hedgerows, and design new seating.

Paulton

Many Paulton residents got in touch with us with their ideas for wildlife, gardening and river health projects in their community. These residents met and prioritised their ideas. It was decided that using the community pub The Red Lion as a starting space would be a great place to begin their ambitious plans. A group of locals have now begun regularly meeting and are designing a growing space outside the pub, turning the space into a thriving community food growing and wildlife-friendly garden.

They meet frequently and would love new people to be involved, please email Rhea.warner@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk if you would like to be part of the what's app group or you can join the Facebook Group here .