Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is helping local residents, including those in Garston, feel closer to nature with the new Wilder Watford project.
The three-year initiative will bring together people from across different communities to reduce barriers to accessing nature, so more residents can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits this delivers.
Amy Trotter, wilder community officer for the Wilder Watford Project said: “Studies show there is social inequality in access to nature. Accessing green and blue spaces is linked to various health benefits including reduced stress, increased physical health and improved mental and cognitive health. Should this not be accessible to everyone? Should we not be pulling together to make this a reality? I wholeheartedly believe we should.”
Through the project, Amy is learning what nature means to different people and what they need to restore pride in the heart of their communities. She has supported the Garston Station Community Garden, attended the Herts Pride event in Cassiobury Park with the trust, and is inspiring students at West Herts College to value nature through a product design project.
The Wilder Watford project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and Swire Charitable Trust.
In January and February, Amy will be running listening cafés, an opportunity for people to have a say on what they feel their community needs in terms of improving their local green spaces. People can drop in and chat with Amy about any ideas or suggestions they may have. Anyone interested in coming along can get in touch with Amy at wildersupport@hmwt.org
Photo: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
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