West Northamptonshire Climate & Nature Partnership (WNCAN)
Nature
(Photo: Sywell Country Park)
Together with People, this is the other BIG ONE - all other life on the EARTH!
Information and project ideas for greening urban spaces, helping pollinators and other wildlife, improving people's well-being though connecting with nature or just being involved in doing something to counter the depletion of plants, trees, insects, birds and other animals that has taken place in the UK.
The spread of humans, lost habitats, large pesticide and herbicide use, and now the increasing effects of climate change (excessive heat, drought, fire and flood) on wildlife have all contributed to the UK being the most depleted country in its biodiversity in the world.
WNCAN welcomes this initiative from West Northants Council. It's overtly aimed at personal and community benefits, but is also likely to have NATURE RECOVERY benefits.
"New community gardening policy to boost health, wellbeing and local pride" (April 15th, 2026)
"The policy will enable individuals and voluntary and community groups to apply to garden appropriate areas of land, such as sections of parks and other open spaces, where this does not affect general public access. The new approach is designed to support physical and mental wellbeing, strengthen community pride, and enhance the local environment.
Suitable sites will be identified by the Council and made available through a simple application process. Successful applicants will normally be offered a standard five year licence, providing reassurance and stability while ensuring the land can be returned to general open space use if required in the future.
Growing Food and Biodiversity Recovery
A great resource for all things organic - nature restoration, growing food, composting - is Garden Organic. Information about their 'charity outreach programmes delivering positive environmental action around the UK' can be found at: https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/what-we-do/supporting-volunteers