Suffolk Wildlife Trust is excited to announce the launch of the Wilder Communities Partnership, a new initiative designed to empower and support community groups across Suffolk in their efforts to protect and restore nature.
This partnership proposal grew out of individual discussions and visits to nature reserves with groups of councillors from some of the councils in Suffolk through autumn 2023. A common area of discussion across all councils was the role of nature recovery networks in creating resilience to a changing climate, supporting our farming economy, and offering communities the well-documented health and wellbeing benefits of access to nature.
The Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group has been instrumental in bringing the Wilder Communities Partnership to life by providing essential funding of £373,356, to be distributed across a three-year period. Recognising the long-term benefits of investing in nature recovery networks, the group has committed financial resources to sustain and expand the wildlife advice service, which has been in high demand since its inception in 2021. This support ensures that the programme can continue offering expert guidance and training to communities across Suffolk, allowing local groups to take proactive steps in nature conservation.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Chair, Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group, says:
“The Wilder Communities Partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration between councils and communities. By investing in nature recovery, we are not only enhancing Suffolk’s biodiversity but also supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to a sustainable future where local communities are at the forefront of environmental action.”
The partnership aligns with the nature recovery principles set forth by Professor Sir John Lawton in 2010, emphasising the need for:
• More space for nature
• Bigger and better-managed sites
• Joined-up spaces to allow species to move and disperse
Suffolk Wildlife Trust has already demonstrated these principles on its reserves, showing how connectivity is created through hedgerows, rivers, and dykes. The Wilder Communities Partnership, with the backing of the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group, will extend this approach by engaging local communities to establish “stepping stones” and “buffer zones” that enhance connectivity and create a comprehensive nature recovery network across both urban and rural areas.
Christine Luxton, CEO, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, added:
“We are thrilled to launch the Wilder Communities Partnership with the support of the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group. This partnership allows us to expand our reach and deepen our impact, ensuring that more communities have the knowledge and support they need to take meaningful action for nature. Together, we can create a thriving, resilient Suffolk where wildlife and people coexist in harmony.”
Through the provision of expert advisory visits and tailored training courses, the Wilder Communities Partnership will support local groups in creating habitats that benefit diverse species. Whether it’s providing guidance on habitat management or offering training sessions on species conservation, Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s approach is centred on building long-lasting relationships with communities and establishing a sense of shared ownership over local nature recovery projects.
This support has already led to the establishment of numerous community-led projects in parks, allotments, churchyards, and other shared spaces across Suffolk. These initiatives have created valuable habitats for iconic species such as swifts, water voles, hedgehogs, and the stag beetle, while also preserving Suffolk’s species-rich ancient grasslands.
The Wilder Communities Partnership represents a transformative approach to nature recovery in Suffolk. With the generous funding from the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group, Suffolk Wildlife Trust is empowered to support and expand local groups' efforts, ensuring a thriving, interconnected landscape that benefits both wildlife and people.
Suffolk Public Sector Leaders group is made up of county, district and borough councils, police, and medical chiefs.
