The project is about connecting people with their local natural environment and, although the project is open to all, it specifically aims to introduce the benefits of the natural world to people who have not had the opportunity or the interest to experience it before.
We are doing this in a number of ways including:
- through consultation whereby people can input to decisions about greenspaces near to them.
- by creating ways for people who have previously not had an interest in the environment, such as using photography, film and other media, and fun leisure activities such as night walks and bug hunts.
- through getting involved in the hands-on management of the space by doing practical conservation volunteering.
- providing opportunities for volunteers to access accredited and non-accredited training in both conservation and media subjects.
We are introducing people to the beautiful areas that Greenways and their volunteers already care for, as well as working to improve some of the small, neglected green spaces in other areas.
The ultimate aim is that by the end of the project we will have created a legacy of motivated people across communities who realise the value of their local natural environment and have the tools and training to continue caring for it.
Our launch event at Alderman Canal in July 2010 was a great success. Local residents joined existing volunteers to enjoy bug hunts, wildlife photography, wild art sessions, guided walks, and film making – and a free barbecue! Although we were almost blown away by the wind, the sun shone on us and up to 100 people took part over the evening.
The next big event was the annual River Cleanup on Sunday 22nd August 2010. A team of divers cleared loads of junk from the River Gipping, whilst others raked up long grass from wild flower meadows, collected litter from along the river path and fished out rubbish floating on Alderman Canal. We also experimented with clearing duckweed from Alderman Canal, but our slow progress showed that we would really need machinery in order to make a significant impact. Have a look at the photos.
We are looking for volunteers to help with our community engagement events – helping to set up and manage the events, helping with activities, tasters and workshops, and talking to people about all the benefits of being connected to nature! If you have an interest in helping out in this way, please let us know and we can keep you informed about opportunities.
Listen in to the "Access to Nature" radio show on Ipswich Community Radio (105.7fm) every Monday evening, 7pm - 8.30pm, to hear the latest project news, find out about forthcoming events and learn about nature in the Ipswich area. You can either listen on your radio (in the Ipswich area) or on the Internet; and if you miss the show, it's available a couple of days later via "Listen Again" (top right-hand corner of the ICR home page).
If you're interested in being involved in the radio show, please get in touch - see contact details below.
The latest Access to Nature news can be found on our Facebook page, together with photos from some of our sites and events.
If you would like to know more about the project, or to get involved, please contact:
Becky on 01473 418014 or
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or Steve at Greenways on 01473 433995 or
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Other useful information:
Access to Nature flyer (PDF, 4MB)
Local Wildlife News - with news and events from local conservation and wildlife groups
Green Living Centre "What's On" guide - more events and activities around Ipswich
