The Doorstep to Neighbourhood Nature Engagement Project’s success encourages all ages to enjoy nature and leads to a young person’s ambition to become an ecologist.
Thanks to the help from LiveWest, and its partnership with City Electrical Factors (CEF), who funded over £5,000 to the project, the nature driven project was a glowing success.
The project also teamed up with Quantock Hills National Landscape, Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, to deliver nature projects in the area.
For many years, LiveWest has committed to helping develop the local community through its continued development and support with its local community connector.
Sally Hill, LiveWest’s Community Connector for the area, said: “It’s been wonderful to see everyone getting so involved in our nature project. This was a truly collaborative pilot project and it’s amazing to hear all the positive responses we have received.
“It’s been great to work with CEF and Quantock Hills National Landscape, as well as other charitable and community partners, and create more memorable moments with the community.
“This pilot project has enabled people of all ages to gain more confidence and engage with the wonderful natural resources that’s on their doorstep. We have worked alongside 12 partners, and it’s been great to be involved and benefit the local community and environment.”
Aiming to create memorable moments with nature for our residents across Bridgwater, Hamp, Stockmoor and the Wilstock area, the project offered a variety of free nature activities for everyone to enjoy.
With one child even declaring “I want to be an ecologist when I grow up” after one session, the nature based engagement activities meant residents learnt more about the nature in their local area.
The electrical company’s kind donation helped fund the delivery of the activities, materials, food and other resources needed for the nature engagement sessions.
Atul Dattani, CEF’s Director of Social Housing and Merchant Relationships, said: “CEF were delighted to be given the opportunity to take part and support LiveWest and The Doorstep to Neighbourhood Nature Engagement Project.
“CEF’s core value is to ensure we can make a difference to the community, its people, and the environment we all live in and the Doorstep to Neighbourhood Nature Engagement Project certainly mirrored this.
“We are delighted that our contribution and support has made a difference.”
Varying from nature kitchens, artwork, bug hunting, pond watching, rounders and walks, different people across the community joined together on a series of days.
The project was designed to encourage our customers and the community to access and engage with local nature at Meads Eco Park and The Country Park.
The projects key partner included Quantock Hills National Landscape, Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
Additional partners also included: Wilstockhub, Growing Minds, Bridgwater United Community Sports Trust, Youth Unlimited CIC, Fuse Somerset Outdoor Arts, Little Nature Folk, Somerset Art Works and Neroche Woodlanders.
Iain Porter, Manager of Quantock Hills National Landscape Team, said: “The Doorstep to Neighbourhood Nature Engagement Project pilot has demonstrated the added value from a true partnership project.
“LiveWest, by bringing together diverse organisations, some of whom had not worked together previously, was able to offer a ‘product’ that engaged more and more diverse people from Bridgwater.”
As well as this project, we continue to encourage its residents and communities to help nature and reduce carbon footprints across the South West.
All images by Jon Barrett, QLPS.