Co-op have launched a new 'Nature Neighbourhoods' initiative, which is designed to empower local communities to champion nature in their neighbourhoods. 

The project will address the global climate and nature crises at the grassroots level.  

It also sets to improve physical and mental well-being by connecting urban residents with the natural world, which is why it was launched on World Mental Health Day (10 October).  

In March 2023, the 'People's Plan for Nature' highlighted the urgent need for investment in community-led efforts to restore and protect nature at the local level.  

The 'Nature Neighbourhoods' initiative is a direct response to these calls.  

Under this initiative, 18 community organisations will receive support from major UK nature charities, including WWF, the RSPB, and the National Trust.  

These organisations have united as part of 'Save Our Wild Isles', a collaborative effort to drive nature's recovery in the UK.  

Alongside leading convenience retailer Co-op, they will aid communities in developing plans for nature based on their specific needs and priorities, ultimately mitigating the nature and climate crises. 

Each 'Nature Neighbourhood' plan will be co-created by local communities and decision-makers, ensuring it reflects the community's vision for tackling the pressing environmental challenges.  

The initiative particularly focuses on urban communities, where many residents face barriers to accessing nature and endure significant social and economic disparities. 

Funded by a £750,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK's largest community funder, and £300,000 from Co-op, this project leverages the extensive reach of Co-op, with a store in every postal area.  

"Urban nature doesn't tend to be the focus of wildlife documentaries, but most of us live in urban areas."

Local partners will be empowered to mobilise their communities and drive positive change for both nature and people.  

Training, financial support, and collaboration with local authorities will be provided through Co-op's involvement. 

Rory Crawford, Project Manager for the 'Nature Neighbourhoods' partnership, emphasised the importance of urban nature and the opportunity for everyday citizens to engage with and act on behalf of nature in urban settings. 

He said: "Urban nature doesn't tend to be the focus of wildlife documentaries. But most of us live in urban areas, and they present the biggest opportunity for people to access and take action for nature on a day-to-day basis. 

"Efforts to improve access and tackle the biodiversity and climate crises have not tended to focus on neighbourhoods experiencing high levels of deprivation, but the local community organisations involved in this project are at the forefront of addressing this, through community gardens, improving parks, connecting young people to nature, community inclusion, creating new green spaces and supporting safe active travel." 

Co-op have raised Together, we've raised £117m* to support local communities across the UK through its membership programme (credit: Co-op).

'Nature Neighbourhoods' will work closely with local organisations such as community centres, social enterprises, and volunteer food-growing collectives.  

They will bring residents, businesses, and decision-makers together to develop comprehensive, long-term plans for nature restoration in their communities. 

'Nature Neighbourhoods' will also benefit from Co-op's network of Member Pioneers, who facilitate community collaboration, inspire change, and enhance the well-being of local residents.   

Representatives from the 'Save Our Wild Isles' partnership, including WWF, the RSPB, and the National Trust, expressed their commitment to the People's Plan for Nature and the need for greater local action.  

They said: "Through Nature Neighbourhoods, we're going to boost support for this kind of local action. The community organisations and leaders we're partnering with are uniquely placed to bring local voices together.  

"They'll use this platform to make decisions on how to address the nature and climate crisis at a local level, developing people-powered plans for change." 

Guy Stuart, Director of Technical, Agriculture, and Sustainability at Co-op, underlined Co-op's commitment to climate action and biodiversity restoration.  

He said: "With a presence in every postal area in the country, we're perfectly positioned to support directly into communities, through Co-op members and colleagues and our Member Pioneers. 

"Through the power of co-operation, we can drive lasting change and help vulnerable communities restore nature, making them a better place to work, play, live and learn." 

Mel Eaglesfield, Deputy Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, lauded the 'Nature Neighbourhoods' project, noting its role in putting communities at the forefront of environmental action. 

She said: "We're delighted to fund the Nature Neighbourhoods project, which will support communities across the UK by working with trusted and knowledgeable voluntary and community partners to help improve people's access to nature.  

"Thanks to National Lottery players, this innovative partnership is putting communities at the forefront of environmental action and empowering people to deliver meaningful, local change that matters to them." 

Co-op Membership helps support Co-op's national charity partners and Local Community Fund causes.  

Become a Co-op member here: https://www.coop.co.uk/membership