The project was focused on connecting people with nature and making space for nature in the community, in response to people’s needs and interests using the principles of community organising. In the two years the project has been active, the team have achieved so much across Radnorshire, including, working with local vulnerable groups, and providing guidance to support community-owned lands and projects. 

While the project has ended, it is not the end of our work with communities.  We have been successful in securing funding for a Green Future Leaders programme, bringing in 2 paid intern posts.  Much of the final work of Next Door Nature will pass over to Finn, our Community trainee, to support.  He’s looking forward to supporting people in New Radnor, with the Castle Keep, and working with volunteers and members of our Nature Action Network on Dark Skies, verges, and local food.   

We’re also working hard on some further funding bids and should have news of further support in late summer, 2024.   

As one of the most rural Trust’s to take up the Next Door Nature project, the team faced many challenges but still managed to dedicate significant effort to enhancing biodiversity on roadside verges and within public spaces within Llandrindod Wells, Knighton and Presteigne – the focus areas for the project. They brought the community together to foster interest in wildlife within our towns and collaborated with the council to agree on verge cutting practices that would preserve the flowers planted by residents.  

Road verges, which make up a significant portion of public green spaces, have the potential to be sanctuaries for wildlife and wildflowers, forming a network of corridors across the UK.  Many local authorities have made good progress and positive, proactive commitment to managing roadside verges for wildlife, receiving widespread public support.  Radnorshire has some fantastic verges and while Powys County Council have been able to make positive commitments to managing and protecting verges, there is still more that can be done.    

In the latter stages of the project the team put together a local business forum in mid and east Radnorshire, as well as running RWT’s first ever Hustings for nature! The Hustings was a great success, attended by over 80 people, and 5 of the 7 standing candidates, who put forward their manifestos and took questions from the audience on their commitment to nature and climate.   

Every small action is important and has a cumulative effect which can add up to big changes. Social science studies show that if just one person in every four (25%) takes action, it can be enough to change the behaviour of the majority. Which is why our community work is so important. 

Janice, Jenny and Janet have thoroughly enjoyed working at RWT, as part of Team Rad, and together as the Nextdoor Nature team and would like to thank everyone who took part in and supported the project.   

Thank you to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for funding the Nextdoor Nature project, The Powys Nature Partnership for Supporting the Project and a huge thank you to every single person that we connected with in the community over the 2 years.