There is so much potential to help our local wildlife to flourish and create nature-rich neighbourhoods for all to enjoy. However, we know that it’s not always easy to know where to start, or the best way to use your green space for the benefit of nature.

That’s where our new Team Wilder Ecological Advisory Service (or TWEAS, for short) comes in!

Through TWEAS, our Team Wilder Community Ecologist, Esther Frizell-Armitage, is offering free support to individuals and communities right across our region, including here in Bristol.

Residents can now access professional advice to help with the creation and management of small-scale wildlife habitats within community spaces, land, small holdings or gardens.

Esther will be able to offer advice over video calls and through site visits, mapping and coordinating activities to create the most impact for wildlife and help join up our green spaces to allow nature to thrive.

As well as offering one-to-one advice for individuals and community groups, Esther will also be running a monthly online workshop, to help provide answers to some of the topics that you’ve been asking about the most. Each session will include an opportunity for a Q&A, where you can also share your experiences, successes and how you’ve gotten to where you are in your journey to make wildlife feel at home in our neighbourhoods.

Make use of this new service

You’ll need to submit your initial request through an online form, where you’ll be able to answer about questions about the support you need, and then choose a time slot for a video call with Esther. You can also submit some photos with your request, but we’d ask that these are photos which have been taken in the last 12 months, to help create an accurate picture of your current situation so that Esther can provide the best possible support.

During your video call, Esther will be able to offer you practical advice and determine whether a site visit is also needed, and arrange that with you if that’s the next step.

She’ll then provide you with a report to cover what was discussed and outline any recommendations and advice given. Esther will also be able to let you know about other opportunities that are available to you, such as training or funding.

Depending on your project and Esther’s availability, you may also be offered a follow-up visit or video call at a later date, so we can record and track the progress that’s been made against the advice that’s been given.

TWEAS has been set up with the intention of supporting community-led action and individuals taking action for nature, so as such isn’t available for businesses or any commercial activities, or for planning proposals.

We’re so excited to be able to help and support more people with their nature ambitions!