Nature Makers and Climate Champions is a joint project between Community First Oxfordshire and Wild Oxfordshire supported by the Vale of White Horse District Council Climate Action Fund.
The project aims to work alongside those in the community in Faringdon who struggle to access nature or get involved in climate action. Nature Makers and Climate Champions offers practical opportunities to protect and enhance the natural environment, bringing benefits to health and wellbeing through outdoor activity and connection with nature.
At our stall at Faringdon’s ‘Big Green Day’ in June, we asked people what sort of activities they’d like to get involved with, while we helped children plant wildflower seeds to take home and nurture.
Reflecting on what we heard, we organised a ‘Wildlife Wander’ with Wild Oxfordshire to explore less well-known green spaces in Faringdon. We wandered through the Town Allotments, All Saints Churchyard, and the ‘Wilderness’ where representatives from local community groups shared their knowledge and expertise. The fourteen people who joined our wander told us that they’d enjoyed accessing places they didn’t know about, alongside seeing and learning about species in their natural habitats and their importance. One person shared: “I’ve lived on the estate for 34 years and have never been on the allotments”. Another was very proud that she’d learnt how to identify Black Ash trees. A local volunteer with the GP surgery said that she’d be incorporating the areas into her health walks.
A few days later we offered seed planting, stone painting and giant lego to children at Faringdon’s annual play event run by Oxfordshire Play Association in Tucker Park. We chatted to over 40 children and parents about their experiences of nature and activities which combat climate change. Popular suggestions for future events included more wildlife walks, bulb or tree planting days, and healthy food workshops including ‘growing your own’.
So far, our information gathering from individuals and groups in Faringdon suggests that there is interest and enthusiasm across all age groups in connecting with nature for individual wellbeing, as well as taking action for a healthy planet. Watch this space for news of more activities as we move into the autumn with a particular focus on ensuring that all members of the local community can participate.