5 Remarkable stories of communities taking action for wildlife

These inspiring stories highlight the incredible impact of the Wild Network in protecting and conserving wildlife.

Macclesfield Community Tree Nursery

First up is the Macclesfield Community Tree Nursery, which began by growing trees from seed to be planted in the local area.

''Our main reason for doing this is to help combat climate change, increase biodiversity for nature and just make our area a nicer place to live. We are not for profit and are doing this because we think it is the right thing to do. The trees we grow are free for anyone who will give them a good home. There are various ways people could help out. One way is to come along to one of our growing sites and get your hands dirty.''

Have a look at their Website or Facebook page or for more info.

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Learn how to start your own community group with this handy guide.

Volunteers at Macclesfield Community Tree Nursery standing with shovels in hand ready to dig some holes for new tree saplings.

Sustainable Nantwich

Sustainable Nantwich is a community group dedicated to making the market town and its hinterlands a greener, biodiverse and more sustainable place.

''Our group tackles issues from climate change, sustainable energy, biodiversity and greenspaces, plastic pollution, water quality, waste and consumption, energy, transport and housing. We convinced the Town Council to declare a climate emergency, to support our Plastic Free Nantwich campaign, and worked with councillors to build a Climate Action Plan integrating sustainability into the fabric of decision making in the town.

Sustainable Nantwich is the driving force behind the Greenspaces One Plan partnership, uniting efforts to enhance local greenspaces for wildlife and sustainability. We aim to create a 'Birthday Woodland' (a tree for every resident) and work with festivals and businesses to reduce pollution and waste while supporting eco-groups lobbying for a brighter future.''

To get in touch, email sustainablenantwich@gmail.com or follow their journey on Facebook.

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Sustainable Nantwich at a stand in town raising awareness about plastic pollution.

Crosstown Community Orchard

Crosstown Community Orchard serves as a space for both people and nature.

''Visitors can enjoy the open air through the seasons and observe nature around them. We manage the site for the benefit of wildlife, with wildflowers, fruit trees, nest boxes, bug hotels, and log piles. We encourage people to help care for the Orchard, maintaining the balance between a public space and a nature reserve. Our volunteers take pride in the Orchard and enjoy the physical activity and social interaction in their work.

It has been a busy year for the Crosstown Community Orchard with our local volunteers helping to organise several events to engage with the community such as wassails, pruning workshops and summer BBQ’s with live music.''

Check out their website or follow their journey on Facebook.

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Pruning workshop at Crosstown Community Orchard

Crewe Clean Team

Since January 2012, they have organised monthly group litter picks around Crewe, clearing 4½ tons of rubbish and recycling over 265,000 aluminum cans through the equivalent of 1½ years of dedicated volunteer effort.

''We provide equipment, so that our members can pick individually or in small groups whenever they want to. We have pride in our town and a love for wildlife, which is why we created the Wildlife Planning Initiative for councillors to refer to when considering planning applications.

This year, we started a project to help swifts by installing boxes in their former 'super-colony' area of the town. We also began a survey of street trees, aiming to persuade Cheshire East Council to replace those lost and plant more.''

Get in touch at enquiries@crewecleanteam.co.uk or follow them on Facebook.

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Discover even more community success stories by watching our webinar on Community and Conservation.

Many volunteers from Crewe's Clean Team stand with bags full of rubbish after a big litter pick.

Trafford Wildlife

Trafford Wildlife runs practical conservation tasks throughout the year, mainly in the Trafford area. Their aim is to promote and carry out hands-on conservation in the local community.

''We hold sessions most Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm, and a monthly session on the second Sunday of each month (usually) from 10 am to 3 pm.

In autumn and winter, we focus on removing invasive species such as rhododendron, scrub birch, Norway maple, and willow. No experience is required—just enthusiasm and a willingness to brave occasional rain. From winter to spring, we shift to tree planting.

In summer, we remove invasive Himalayan balsam to support native plants and reduce riverbank erosion. We also care for young trees by removing plastic guards and clearing mulch, helping saplings thrive while reducing plastic waste in the environment.''

Contact them through their website or follow their Facebook page!

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Trafford Wildlife Volunteers removing invasive Rhododendron.

These incredible stories of community action show that change is possible. Our local wildlife is facing serious challenges, but if we come together, we can achieve so much more.

These groups are always in need of extra hands, so if you think you could lend your support, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Do you have a story to share? Email bwilliams@cheshirewt.org.uk to receive our story guidelines.