PEOPLE AND NATURE
We believe that a thriving natural environment goes hand-in-hand with healthy, connected communities. Restoring nature and creating space for nature close to where people live leads to improved wellbeing, strengthens local identity, builds resilience to climate change, and generally creates better places in which to live, work, and play.
We have resources available to support local councils and grass roots community organisations who want to take action for nature.
The Local Nature Recovery Toolkit is designed to help communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough take practical steps toward restoring biodiversity and achieving the Doubling Nature ambition. Whether you’re a parish council, landowner, school, or local resident, the toolkit offers clear guidance on how to map habitats, set nature recovery goals, and create a 10-year plan tailored to your area.
Use it to:
- Identify and enhance local wildlife habitats
- Engage your community in nature-friendly actions
- Plan and monitor habitat improvements
- Access expert advice and resources
The Parish Nature Recovery Plan Template provides help getting started writing a Nature Recovery Plan for your area. It outlines key themes—such as gardens, allotments, school grounds, farmland, and water features – and offers practical actions for both parish councils and residents.
All parish councils need to have a Biodiversity Policy, but this may be a new area for them to consider. The Example Biodiversity Policy (sourced from the Great Collaboration) aims to help parish councils with this by providing a generic plan that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of their parish and the type of landscape they cover whether it be urban or rural.
Through our small grants scheme we are also able to provide advice and financial assistance to turn community plans into actions.
For practical guides about how to help wildlife at home or in a community green space:
Looking for inspiration for your next project?
Explore our Fund for Nature case studies to see what other communities have achieved.
Together, we can create thriving landscapes where nature and people flourish.