Join the growing network of communities across the West Midlands creating a healthier, fairer, greener region.
The Community Environment Network aims to connect community groups working on environment action, boost their efforts, and also inspire and support new groups.
The West Midlands is home to a patchwork of parks, nature reserves, community gardens, 4.9 million urban trees and miles of waterways.
We want to celebrate our natural spaces throughout March, to get people outside, enjoying our local spaces and supporting nature to thrive.
There are activities happening right across the region. See where you nearest event is and pop down.
United Support Group
Are hosting volunteering sessions and an open day to launch their Nature Nook community garden in Walsall. Based at Manor Farm Community Association.
Severn Rivers Trust
Are seeking volunteers to help them to measure the water quality by taking samples and visual surveys along the River Cole in Dudley, by Stourbridge and Lye.
Birmingham Settlement
Based next to Edgbaston Reservoir, they are hosting family days, citizen science and practical conservation activities and a festival for World Climate Day.
Open House CIC
In Kings Norton, Birmingham they are working with young people to improve their allotment space by planting trees, food growing and conservation activities.
Groundwork West Midlands
In Binley, Coventry, they have the People's Patch for Nature where they are holding a whole suite of events suitable for everyone to attend throughout March.
Hawbush Community Garden
In Brierley Hill, Dudley Hawbush will be bringing a disused pond back to life and creating accessible paths for all to enjoy. The garden is open every day.
Aspire 4 U
Based in Dudley Town Centre they are creating an interactive QR code guide around their community garden and have plenty of activities to engage with.
Warley Woods Community Trust
A green oasis in Sandwell, they will be planting new trees and thousands of native bluebells. Planting days are open to anyone to come along to.
Ideal for All
Next to Galton Bridge in Smethwick they are holding volunteering days to improve the garden for disabled people to enjoy nature.
Ashley Community Housing Ltd
In Solihull they are improving the garden at their residential site for Ukrainian Refugees to enjoy creating a an new outdoor space.
Meriden Adventure Playground
The Playground in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull are holding family fun days and planting new trees and shrubs to bring more nature into the space.
Lifegate Outreach Centre
In Walsall Town Centre they are engaging young people with gardening, composting and improving soil health.
Gatis Community Space
Based in Wolverhampton they are offering six wild workshops for residents and families to enjoy and be connected to nature.
Not able to attend one of the activities but still want to support nature?
See what you can do at home or in your local area to help wildlife to thrive.
Creating new habitat for species
Create log piles and bee hotels
Plant nectar-rich plants for pollinators
Create a pond, even small ponds can be a haven for wildlife
Install nest boxes for tits, robins, swifts, house martins and redstarts.
Make sure you provide feeders and other habitats / plant life to attract insects.
Have a dish of water or a bid bath for bird to drink and bathe in.
The Wildlife Trust recommends adding a pons as one of the best ways to attract new wildlife to a garden.
An easy step by step guide to adding a pond How to build a pond | The Wildlife Trusts
If space is an issue then even a mini-pond can make a big difference, the RSPB have an easy how to guide Container Pond Ideas | DIY Mini
Pond Wild Challenge - The RSPB
Create compost heaps and provide places for frogs and other pond wildlife can take shelter such as log piles or an area that is undisturbed for wildlife to hibernate in.
Create a hedgehog highway by having small hole in your fence or gravel boards for them to walk between gardens.
Make adjustments to reduce artificial lighting to make areas more inviting for bats, you can find some great tips from the Bat Conservation Trust Gardening for bats.
- Conserve & harvest water
- Aim to be plastic free & also to recycle plastics
- Recycle wood
- Compost green waste
- Use peat-free compost
- Mulch the soil to retain the moisture
- Avoid using insecticides and slug pellets, herbicides, fungicides (use natural pest control) and try companion planting instead
- Ensure local provenance of the things to be used, i.e. locally sourced
- Reduce food miles – grow your own
- Avoid mowing lawns – allow them to flower
- Plant hedges as boundaries
When clearing any ground (cutting back vegetation or clearing debris) that has been left untouched for some time be conscious not to disturb breeding birds (breeding season is normally March to August), if hedgehogs, reptiles or amphibians are encountered allow them to move to safe cover and consider how to accommodate them.
If you think there is a risk of encountering a protected species contact the local Wildlife Trust for advice.
Planting for Pollinators
There are plenty of helpful resources and guides with information on what will do best in your space.
• Plants for Pollinators advice and downloadable lists | RHS Gardening
• The best plants for bees and pollinators | The Wildlife Trusts
• Gardening for Bugs | Buglife
• Get involved by taking part in schemes such the Big Butterfly Count Big Butterfly Count.
Raised beds can be used to grow many things from flowers to fruit and vegetables. They can also be made using repurposed materials
such as wooden pallets.
Window boxes with pollinator friendly plants can help.
The RSPB has an excellent website called Nature On Your Doorstep with helpful guides on how to increase nature in spaces from alleyways to balconies.