The Co-op has launched a new initiative that looks to help and encourage communities stand up for nature in their neighbourhoods, tackling the global climate and nature crises at a local level.
The Nature Neighbourhoods project aims to help more people benefit from all the advantages nature can bring and restore confidence in the climate, as three-quarters of people in the UK are worried about the state of nature in the UK.
As part of the initiative, 18 community organisations will receive support from three of the UK’s largest nature charities – WWF, the RSPB and the National Trust.
The organisations have come together as part of Save Our Wild Isles – an ongoing partnership to take action for nature’s recovery in the UK – alongside leading convenience retailer Co-op.
Each Nature Neighbourhoods plan will look at the root causes of the nature and climate crises in a local context, bringing communities together with local decision makers to make nature and climate action an essential part of future planning.
The project has also been funded by a £750,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, and £300,000 from Co-op.
There will be a particular focus on working with urban communities, as while most people live in town and cities, there are often substantial barriers to accessing nature in urban environments, along with higher social and economic inequalities.
Last month, the Co-op revealed that the vast majority of young people are concerned that the UK’s transition to net-zero will fuel the class divide.
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Project Manager for the Nature Neighbourhoods partnership, Rory Crawford said: “Urban nature doesn’t tend to be the focus of wildlife documentaries. But most of us live in urban areas, and they present the biggest opportunity for people to access and take action for nature on a day-to-day basis.
“Efforts to improve access and tackle the biodiversity and climate crises have not tended to focus on neighbourhoods experiencing high levels of deprivation, but the local community organisations involved in this project are at the forefront of addressing this.
“Through community gardens, improving parks, connecting young people to nature, community inclusion, creating new green spaces and supporting safe, active travel.”
Director of technical, agriculture and sustainability at Co-op, Guy Stuart said: “Our members tell us how concerned they are around the effects of the climate crisis on people and the planet.
“Nature restoration and the halting of biodiversity-loss forms a central part on our approach to climate action, so our partnership with Nature Neighbourhoods is a landmark moment.
“With a presence in every postal area in the country, we’re perfectly positioned to support directly into communities, through Co-op members and colleagues and our Member Pioneers.”
He added: “Through the power of co-operation, we can drive lasting change and help vulnerable communities restore nature, making them a better place to work, play, live and learn.”
The news comes as six new suppliers are set to hit Co-op shelves following the latest round of its accelerated support scheme.
