Rewilding Stockport is about empowering residents to turn Stockport into a community-based nature reserve: a mosaic of 1,000 new spaces for wildlife and people, embedding nature into the fabric of the town. They want communities to use, enjoy, improve, and reclaim local green spaces, so everyone can make the most of these wild places close to where they live, work and play.

It’s well known that being out in nature makes us happier and healthier. According to the World Health Organisation, urban green spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and residential greenery measurably improves our mental and physical health. Rewilding Stockport wants to bring more of these spaces to where people live to give them the chance to move and connect in green space.

The Rewilding Stockport team will offer guidance and support to individuals, community groups, businesses and schools within Stockport who are looking to improve their greenspace for wildlife. The project aims to inspire people to care about and appreciate the benefits of bringing nature into our streets. With the help of Stockport residents, the Rewilding Stockport project hopes to make Stockport a Wilder town.

What is a community nature reserve?
A community nature reserve isn’t a standard nature reserve – it isn’t just one space. A community nature reserve is a network of small, wildlife-friendly spaces in local people’s back gardens, parks, allotments, window boxes, businesses, balconies, street corners and school grounds. Each person is asked to allocate a patch of their land for any kind of wildlife-friendly features they would like to have.

Rewilding Stockport Officer Eve Taylor says, “We’re so excited to start our project in Stockport and help not only the local wildlife, but also the communities too. We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players and are confident the project will make a real difference to the communities and wildlife of Stockport.”

David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund says, “Through our conversations with National Lottery players, we know that nature is incredibly important to them, and the funding for Rewilding Stockport means that they can play their part in preserving the significant and varied wildlife that the North of England is home to. At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re incredibly proud to be playing a role in ensuring our natural heritage is safeguarded for generations to come, but also that the projects we fund give people the chance to connect with the nature and wildlife that is on their doorsteps.”

How can I be part of the community nature reserve?
If you are an individual, school or business and would like to dedicate a space for wildlife or find out more about our project, then head over to the Rewilding Stockport webpage to find out more and get involved - cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/take-action/rewildingstockport