Nature Connects
nature connects
Nature Connects is an innovative, multi-disciplinary initiative dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between people, their local communities, and the natural world across London.Â
By bringing together individuals, organisations, and green spaces, Nature Connects inspires new ways to experience and care for the environment.Â
We invite you to join us on our journey as Nature Connects continues to grow, evolve, and create a lasting impact.
Nature Connects Brent
The first iteration of Nature Connects was launched in the London Borough of Brent from November 2021 to April 2022. This successful pilot was made possible through generous funding from Natural England and saw collaboration between various community partners.
Over 750 participants attended events, activities, and campaigns aimed at fostering a deeper connection with nature. These activities were spearheaded by Forest & Family and Sufra, with additional contributions from other local organizations whose continued work can be followed on their websites and social media platforms.
The Legacy of Nature Connects in Brent
Though the initial phase has concluded, the initiatives and campaigns developed during Nature Connects Brent continue to thrive, feeding into ongoing nature-based programs in the borough. This work reflects a sustained commitment to empowering communities through the power of nature.
Be Part of brent's Growing Green Community
Nature Connects Hounslow
The Youth Ranger Programme, delivered in partnership with Brentford FC Community Sports Trust (BFCCST) provides a dynamic 6-week experience for young people in Hounslow to connect with nature, develop practical skills, and contribute to sustainability in their local communities. Created in collaboration with Graham Gooddon, Senior Manager of Communities Engagement at BFCCST, this programme seamlessly integrates into BFCCST’s Communities Engagement Sessions Timetable, with sessions hosted across various venues in the borough.
With the support of BFCCST, Cultivate London, and a network of local partners, the Youth Ranger Programme is continually evolving. It offers participants the chance to gain valuable qualifications, hands-on work experience, and practical knowledge, all while fostering a deeper connection to their environment.Â
The programme offers weekly, gardening-focused sessions developed by London National Park City. These sessions will include hands-on sustainability projects and practical gardening skills, alongside activities designed to improve physical fitness. Highlights include:
- Creating a new garden at the SUEZ Recycling CentreÂ
- Collaborating with Cultivate London at the Salopian Garden
The curriculum will emphasize both environmental stewardship and physical well-being, linking gardening activities to muscle engagement and energy expenditure, while fostering a deeper connection to nature.
Participants will gain valuable qualifications through BFCCST’s apprenticeship schemes and have the opportunity to apply for roles with Cultivate London and other local initiatives. Many of these opportunities can lead to paid work, thanks to connections built through volunteering at Cultivate London’s many gardens.
Young people will also have access to industry expertise, including sessions led by Dr. Suzanne Moss, Director of Learning and Public Engagement at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), focusing on the latest best practices in gardening.
Additionally, the programme will integrate young people into the Hounslow Ranger Network, providing continued training and hands-on biodiversity surveying opportunities in partnership with organisations like the Field Studies Council and Natural England.
Be Part of Hounslow's Growing Green Community
Nature Connects Islington
Our bid will allow London National Park City to manage an annual fund for community projects in Islington and the City of London. These funds will be directed towards developing sustainable green spaces, creating opportunities for young people to engage in nature-based activities, and supporting local initiatives aimed at preserving and improving public gardens.Â
This initiative is being developed in partnership with local organisations including:
Building Connections Between People, Place, and Nature
The pilot programme in Islington will provide local young people with the opportunity to actively participate in nature conservation, develop practical gardening skills, and help improve the local environment. Through our collaboration with key partners, we aim to create long-lasting, positive impacts for both the community and the natural spaces in the borough.
This partnership is the beginning of something truly exciting, and we look forward to the positive changes it will bring to Islington, the City of London, and the wider community.
Be Part of Islington's Growing Green Community
Nature Connects Barking and Dagenham
Nature Connects Barking & Dagenham is part of a broader effort to enhance green spaces, biodiversity, and community engagement in the borough. This initiative aligns with rewilding projects, urban regeneration, and sustainable design practices aimed at promoting both ecological and social benefits.
Be Part of Barking and Dagenham's Growing Green Community
Discover How you can Connect to Nature Near You
There are lots of ways to volunteer your time in London National Park City – in parks and gardens, with conservation groups, on rivers, and in your neighbourhood.
You can discover places to volunteer near you on our Volunteer Map covering all 32 London Boroughs. This beta version has been co-created with input from over 100 individuals and charities, and you can suggest new places to add to the map yourself.
Whether you’re passionate about nature conservation, river restoration, litter picks, or supporting one of London’s 4,000 parks and green spaces, why not get involved and contribute to creating a greener, healthier, and wilder London.
