Let's make Crewe wilder, together.
Bringing people together, to bring nature back.
Our Nextdoor Nature project is bringing communities together to help nature flourish where we live and work! Thanks to £5 million funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Nextdoor Nature will provide people with the advice and support they need to help nature thrive on their doorstep, and leave a lasting natural legacy to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Britain is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world - Since 1970 there has been, on average, close to a 70% decline in the populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. Added to this is the huge inequality in access to wild, nature-rich spaces, with some of us having lots and others having very little. There is much work to do to put this right, but if we work together we can bring wildlife back for all.
So, whether there’s a dull, barren patch of land that could be colourful and buzzing again, or a space that could be a wild but safe area to visit or play in – the Nextdoor Nature will help everyone to take action and help restore nature and improve access to it, for all.
A future haven for wildlife? The Railway Cottages in Crewe.
Photo credit: Joseph Lee
Why Crewe?
Andy, our Wilder Communities Officer, who is born and bred in Crewe, has been out and about talking and listening to local individuals, businesses and schools. What he's learnt is that it’s not always easy to connect with nature in Crewe. Like so many other towns in the UK there is a divide between those that have wild places all around them and those that struggle to find one. We want to work with you, the people of Crewe, to find ways to put this right. In a nutshell, we want everyone in Crewe to be only a few minutes away from green space that is rich in wildlife.
Together we will create a greener, wilder and more connected Crewe – where wildlife and people thrive. We know this won’t happen overnight, but if enough of us take action – big actions and little actions – then we will get there, together.
Community orchard planters!
Photo credit: Joseph Lee
It's all about People Power!
Real change starts with communities, from the ground up. We want to kick start a movement of empowered local people who are working together to bring wildlife into every corner of Crewe. So, whether you’re an individual, a group of friends, a family, a business, a school, a community group, healthcare provider or a sport club, we want to hear from you. Tell us what you’re doing or what you’d like to do more of and we will get in touch with advice and connect you with other local people that can help make local areas better for wildlife, and for people.
Inspiration from across Cheshire
Across town people are coming together to bring wildlife back to urban areas. Check out this story, where members of the local community rolled up their sleeves and got planting wildlife friendly plants. Do you know of similar stories near you? Tell us on the form below!
What's wild about Crewe?
We want to know what you've seen, heard or experienced when it comes to nature and wildlife in Crewe. Perhaps you love to walk your dog at Joey the Swan or maybe already plant pollinator-friendly flowers in your window box. Whatever it is, as long as it involves nature, then we want to know. We also want to hear about the Crewe people already doing amazing things for nature.
Right now we are particularly interested in hearing about Crewe companies that are doing things for wildlife or want to do more. Do you work for a company that has big ambitions in this area or do you use the services of one? If so, let us know using the form below.
Tips and advice on how you can bring wildlife back.
Our downloadable toolkits below are packed with inspiration, ideas and how-to advice.
