Nature in your neighbourhood

Nature Neighbourhoods is a new community-led project for the people of Lewisham, and we’d love you to be part of shaping how it comes to life from the very start.

Lewisham is part of a UK-wide mission to bring nature into urban areas for everyone’s benefit, improving health and wellbeing while strengthening wildlife, biodiversity and climate resilience. It is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Nature Towns and Cities programme.

Cllr Corin Ashwell said,

“Our new team will be working with residents and local groups, especially people who may not always feel welcome in these spaces, including ethnically diverse communities, young people and people with disabilities. We want to understand what changes would make the biggest difference.” 

About the project

The Nature Neighbourhoods project aims to boost biodiversity, connect green and blue spaces, and celebrate Lewisham’s cultural heritage:

• green spaces include areas with grass, trees and plants
• blue spaces include water such as the rivers Ravensbourne, Quaggy and Pool, as well as wetlands and ponds

Working together with residents, we will unlock underused spaces, tackle inequalities, and empower communities to shape and care for nature on their doorstep.

Community voices will play a vital role in shaping Lewisham’s new Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, helping to create a more connected, thriving natural environment that supports both wildlife and people’s wellbeing.

What will happen

We're at the very beginning of the project, and our priority is to spend time in local neighbourhoods meeting residents, housing associations, schools, community groups, faith groups and a wide range of local organisations.

Whether you already use or volunteer in a local park, community garden or allotment or want to get more involved in nature where you live, your views matter. By listening and working together, we can make these spaces better for everyone.

As the project develops, there will be a range of ways to get involved, including:

• paid community roles to support and guide the project’s development
• co-creation workshops and focus groups, where residents can help shape local nature projects
• small grants to support community-led ideas

Get involved

We want to hear from people across Lewisham.

Sign up to our mailing list for updates on upcoming activities, ways to get involved including community roles and visits to your neighbourhood.

Got a question? Get in touch at natureneighbourhoods@lewisham.gov.uk.