On Saturday 1 March, Grow Wilder ran a Community Open Day hosted by Avon Wildlife Trust, Action for Conservation and the Youth Leadership Group (YLG). This included showcasing a new site next to Grow Wilder which is part of an intergenerational project to get young people and the community to co-design a future vision for the site and ultimately transform it. This process involves understanding and mapping the site’s past and present before any changes can be made.

Jessica describes the YLG: “We’re a team of young people who have come together to design a future vision for a patch of land near Frenchay that is ripe for rejuvenation.

“We are aiming to improve biodiversity and create a space where people can enjoy the benefits of being outside.

“With support from Action for Conservation, Avon Wildlife Trust and the local community, we have already started to unlock the potential of the land at Grow Wilder.”

The Community Open Day involved guided walks and family activities, such as making apple bird feeders and seed balls. The community connected to the land by contributing to a community sign which will be on display at the new site , and sharing their thoughts and ideas with the YLG. There was also the chance to enjoy cakes and hot beverages from the Grow Wilder café and meet the chickens and goats cared for by Street Goat, a community project connecting families to animals and increasing their understanding of food production.

Etta Bo summed up the event, saying: “The day itself was fantastic. There were so many things to do and see. There were tours around the site which even included a new area that Grow Wilder are developing. I wasn’t expecting it to be so big and beautiful and for so many people to turn up!”

When reflecting on the event, Sumaya shared: “It was heartwarming to see so many lovely people from the community come together, including our local councilors, sharing their time and energy for a common cause.

“The event truly highlighted how nature can bring people closer, building a stronger sense of connection both to the environment and to one another.

“It was a beautiful day filled with positive energy, where everyone worked together to make a difference.”

The Intergenerational Action for Climate and Nature project has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players. Action for Conservation, Avon Wildlife Trust and Heartwood CIC, who are partners of this project, have received over £870,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.