The Nextdoor Nature Somer Valley project has launched!
The Avon Wildlife Trust has launched a new project in your area!
My name is Rhea and I am the new Somer Valley Community Organiser at the Trust. We launched in August and it has been great starting to get to know people in the local areas.
Over the past few weeks I have met with locals in Peasedown St John, Paulton, and Midsomer Norton to discuss what matters most to them and hear about their nature driven dreams. I had a fantastic time joining the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society on a Paulton work day. The project is based in a stunning and biodiverse location, with rich history and a friendly group of volunteers, plus cakes in the tea-break- what’s not to love!
The Community Library in Paulton and the Hive in Peasedown St John were also both heart-warming to visit. It was fantastic to meet with the Somer Valley Rediscovered (SVR) team to hear about the fantastic opportunities they are organising and I really enjoyed attending their Bat Walk in Waterside Valley, Westfield.
What is Nextdoor Nature Somer Valley?
Nextdoor Nature is a national campaign by The Wildlife Trusts as part of Team Wilder’s community-led action for nature’s recovery. Team Wilder is about empowering and resourcing people to visibly take actions that bring about nature’s recovery.
The project aims to raise understanding about the urgent need for change, and to recognise individuals and communities’ own roles in making that change happen. We want to support local people in the projects they want to make happen.
Nextdoor Nature has been running in Bristol for the past year and we are excited to be expanding to the Somer Valley area.
Nextdoor Nature Somer Valley covers the parishes of Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Westfield, Peasedown St John and Paulton.
Want to get involved in Nextdoor Nature Somer Valley?
If you, or your community, would like to make space for nature and people, reach out. Whether you have a project on the go, are hoping to set something up, want to share something you love about your local area, want to tell us about any exciting wildlife you’ve spotted, or just want to be involved somehow, we want to hear from you!
As part of our outreach we are also looking for natural leaders, those with energy, strength, passion and connections that can help us bring people together and drive community-led decision making. So, if this is you, or you know someone we should hear about, please get in touch.
For more information see our launch blog, or to ask a question or register your interest please contact our Somer Valley Nextdoor Nature Community Organiser, Rhea:
Rhea.warner@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, or call +44 7421226080
Find out more by watching the video!
