Nature in your neighbourhood

Nature Neighbourhoods is a new community led project helping more people enjoy nature where they live.

We will be working with residents and communities across Lewisham to better understand how people use local green and open spaces, and how these spaces can work better for everyone.

The project is part of the national Nature Towns and Cities programme and is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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

Nature Neighbourhoods focuses on Lewisham’s parks, green and open spaces on housing estates and areas cared for by local communities, including our three rivers.

We are at an early stage and will be listening to residents, community groups and local organisations to understand:

• how people use local parks, open and natural spaces
• what works well in these spaces
• what might be improved over time

This will help shape the future of parks, open and natural spaces across the borough.

This is a project for the people of Lewisham, and you will play an important role in shaping how it develops.

What will happen

As the project develops, there will be different ways to get involved. 

Opportunities include:

• small grants or funding to support local ideas
• working with residents to make changes in nature where they live
• getting involved in looking after parks, open and natural spaces
• community paid roles to help shape this project

Get involved

We want to hear from people across Lewisham.

Whether you already use local parks or are interested in using them more, your views can help us understand how these spaces could work better for everyone.

We welcome residents, community groups and local organisations to get involved and share their ideas.

Email the team at natureneighbourhoods@lewisham.gov.uk or join our mailing list. This will ensure you stay informed about project, including when the team will be coming to your neighbourhood and upcoming updates.