Next door Nature (NDN) was a national programme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered locally by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The project focused on empowering communities to take action for nature through grassroots, place-based projects. Josh, led the delivery in Wiltshire during the initial phases of the project.
Nature Matters Contribution
Josh embedded a community organising approach within environmental delivery. His work focused on co-producing local initiatives, building strong partnerships, and enabling residents to take ownership of local green spaces.
Key Outcomes
600+ people engaged across nature-based activities and events
Six long-term projects initiated and now led by communities in Salisbury, Westbury and Colerne
30 participants received informal training and confidence-building support
Two residents progressed into public health apprenticeships through project involvement
One new community group ‘Beautiful Bemerton’ formed and is now independently delivering work
Development and approval of the ‘Grow Food Not Grass’ project; community-designed edible gardens for wellbeing and food resilience
The success of the project was rooted in listening, trust-building, and long-term relationship development. By starting with listening exercises and supporting community-led design, the project empowered residents to create their own visions for nature in their neighbourhoods. The work placed emphasis on place-making, skills sharing, and long-term local ownership.
Key community outcomes included improved connection to nature, increased wellbeing, stronger social ties, and greater access to green space. Partnerships with Wiltshire Council’s Community Conversations, Idverde, and other local organisations ensured sustainability beyond the initial delivery phase.
Nature Matters carries forward the principles shaped through this project. Nature Matters has maintained working relationships between Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust following this project.
