Take action for nature as a community

Community garden

Katrina Martin/2020VISION

Take action for nature as a community

Making space for nature

We need to create a strong, interconnected network of wild spaces and healthy habitats that provide space for nature to thrive in streets, towns and villages across Dorset. No matter the size or type of area you have available, you can come together to make a difference and help nature recover.

From community greenspaces and neighbourhood initiatives working to improve places for wildlife, to nature-friendly churchyards and school grounds. Making space for nature works at any scale. Planting for pollinators in pots, planters and baskets is just as important where space may be limited.  

Already taking action as a community, or want to get started?

There are many people across Dorset already taking action for nature in their local area. Are you part of an existing community group taking action for nature and looking to spread the word? Or perhaps you’re looking to create your own group and learn and take inspiration from others? We can help get you connected and provide resources so you can be part of nature’s recovery and take action in your community. 

Find communities taking action near you and discover how you can make space for nature in your community. Together we can create a wilder Dorset.

Wildlife-friendly spaces map

Mapping nature's recovery in Dorset

People in Dorset are coming together to create a wilder Dorset, acting at street, village and town level as well as embarking on county-wide initiatives to make space for nature. Wilder spaces are being created in urban areas and in churchyards, schools and neighbourhoods across the county, with people doing what they can to make a difference. Explore the Nature Recovery Dorset community map to find inspiration and groups in your local area. You can also add your group to the map by joining the Nature Recovery Network. 

Discover more and map your project
Community garden

Penny Dixie

Communities in action

Find out about the people and projects that are helping to create a wilder Dorset. Read about the different actions people are taking in the county to be part of nature’s recovery and find out what moved them to take action. You may be inspired to take ideas back to your local community. 

Meet communities taking action for nature
Living Churchyard at Holnest Church

Anna Aubrey 

Living Churchyards

If you’re managing or helping in a churchyard and would like some advice, you can get in touch with the Living Churchyards team to find out more about welcoming and monitoring wildlife on site. You can also find handy tips and resources. 

Find out about the Living Churchyards project
AIM Community wildlife gardening plaque

Get into wildlife gardening

We've created a series of guides and resources full of simple tips and advice on how to attract wildlife into your garden and community spaces. Whether it's attracting pollinators or finding new ways to keep the pests off your plants, you can create a space that is functional, beautiful and wildlife-friendly. You can also find out how to apply for a Wildlife-friendly Space Award.

Discover free wildlife-friendly gardening guides
Apple tree branch in blossom. A small girl is being held up by a man to look at the blossom.

The Wildlife Trusts

Support for your community: the Nextdoor Nature Hub

Need some further help or inspiration? The Nextdoor Nature Hub has guides and community stories as well as practical information on everything from how to start a group and find funding, to insurance, banking, and more. 

Visit the Nextdoor Nature Hub

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