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 WMCA Community Environment Network's Nature Call to Action Campaign gave funding to 14 community organisations across the region.
These grants supported events and activities to get people outside, enjoying our local spaces and supporting nature to thrive.
Key aims of the fund:
- Find ways to help people engage with their local green or blue spaces.
- Supporting nature’s recovery through creating new or enhancing current habitat.
- Adding nature into urban areas.
See who we funded
United Support Group
Based at Manor Farm Community Association in Walsall, they hosted volunteering sessions and an open day to launch their Nature Nook community garden.
Severn Rivers Trust
Focusing on improving the River Stour in Dudley, they recruited volunteers to help them to measure the water quality through taking samples and visual surveys.
Birmingham Settlement
Based next to Edgbaston Reservoir, they hosted family days, citizen science and practical conservation activities and a festival for World Climate Day.
Open House CIC
In Kings Norton, Birmingham they worked 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 held a whole suite of events suitable for everyone to attend throughout the campaign.
Hawbush Community Garden
In Brierley Hill, Dudley they brought a disused pond back to life and created accessible paths for all to enjoy. The garden is open every day.
Aspire 4 U
Based in Dudley Town Centre they created an interactive QR code guide around their community garden and ran a number of events to develop and support this.
Warley Woods Community Trust
A green oasis in Sandwell, they planted new trees and thousands of native bluebells. They encouraged new volunteers, with planting days open to all.
Ideal for All
Next to Galton Bridge in Smethwick they held volunteering days to improve the garden for disabled people to enjoy nature.
Ashley Community Housing Ltd
Based in Solihull they improved the garden at their residential site for Ukrainian Refugees to enjoy creating a new outdoor space.
Meriden Adventure Playground
Based at the Playground in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, they held family fun days and planted new trees and shrubs to bring more nature into the space.
Lifegate Outreach Centre
Working in Walsall Town Centre they engaged young people with gardening, composting and improving soil health.
Gatis Community Space
Based in Wolverhampton they offered wild workshops for residents and families to enjoy and be connected to nature.
Are you interested in supporting 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 ponds 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.