Wild spaces are planted by the community for local people to use as recreational and educational areas - here are some of the lasting benefits of starting a project in your area:
A strong, close-knit community
Working together outdoors builds a strong sense of community spirit, with everyone mucking in to fundraise, collect seeds and plant saplings. Bonds are also formed between local people and the businesses and schools who enrol to help.
Once a wild space is established and begins to blossom, there's a feeling of pride and ownership amongst the community - those who work with us often see a decline in negative behaviour like littering and vandalism.
Unique educational opportunities for local children
When local schools link up with our community projects, children are provided with a wide range of in-school and extra curricular environmental activities to take part in. Working with the community helps prepare young people for the world of work and gives them the opportunity to continue with the project when they leave school.
Working outdoors is also the ideal way for children to develop their practical and physical skills, while keeping fit and healthy.
Read more about the benefits for children who take part in our environmental education programmes.
Increase wildlife and biodiversity
We encourage communities to use traditional land management techniques, planting both native and wild plants, trees and shrubs.
Building habitats for wildlife is an integral part of our WildSpace projects, with the aim of increasing biodiversity in each area. Some of the groups we work with have carried out surveys of their wild spaces and drawn up long-term biodiversity management plans with the help of local experts.
Global awareness and international friendships
As well as a local connection between schools, businesses and communities, we also try to build international links and exchanges where possible. This can prove to be an invaluable source of knowledge and inspiration for all involved, and builds lasting friendships.