This year the theme for the week is ‘Let’s connect’.  Humans thrive in communities and the connection that comes from them is essential to our wellbeing.  The way we live today has eroded some of that sense of community and it’s essential for our collective health and survival that we find ways of rebuilding it.

As well as people finding ways of connecting better, it’s also vital that we re-establish our connection to nature.  Not only is this essential to us tackling the climate emergency – the closer people feel to nature, the more likely they are to protect it, but it is also essential to our mental and physical wellbeing.  In the recent government ‘People and Nature Survey’ 82% of respondents agreed that being in nature makes them “very happy”.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust wants to 30% of Cheshire’s land and water needs to be secured and protected by 2030 for wildlife to recover and for people to thrive.  The aim is to ensure that all children and parents have easy access to quality green spaces, so that they can connect with each other and with nature and wildlife. 

Director of Fundraising & Engagement, Jo Darlington says:

“We are asking families to identify Wasted Spaces in their area.  Back alleys, litter strewn verges, neglected corners of towns and cities that are currently devoid of wildlife.  These are all spaces that could provide havens for wildlife and people.  The first stage is to pin a space on our online map and then we will provide practical advice and resources to help people come together to transform these spaces. 

We’re already seeing individuals, schools and businesses taking a lead, creating groups and making changes. It’s all about connecting with each other and with nature!”

Cheshire Wildlife Trust are asking families to create space for wildlife and people to connect in urban areas, by identifying wasted spaces and pinning them on the map: Wasted Space | Cheshire Wildlife Trust