Nature-based neighbourhoods
Everyone should be able to enjoy the simple, life-enhancing benefits of nature. Access to green and blue spaces improves our health and strengthens our communities. Restoring our connection to nature is central to tackling the climate crisis too.
Why this matters
Nature-based solutions can play a vital role in tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss — and nowhere is their impact more needed than in our towns and cities.
Across the UK, access to nature is uneven. Those who would benefit most often have the least access, held back by physical, social and economic barriers.
We work with communities and partners at local and national levels to remove these barriers, focusing on deprived urban areas where both need and opportunity are greatest.
Our goal is simple: for everyone to experience the benefits of nature on their doorstep.
Our ambition
Nature-based solutions can radically help address the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss – and nowhere are they needed more than in our towns and cities. We want the benefits of nature to meet everyone at their doorstep and for everyone to have the opportunity to care for nature as it does for them.
A neglected car park in Derby is now Electric Daisy, a vibrant, community-led space celebrating food, growing and local culture. Down to Earth Regen is proving that nature and community can sit at the heart of a commercially successful venture, and WFET is proud to support them.
Read more about A car park transformedThe UK is one of the least nature-connected nations in the world but there is a growing movement to change this. The University of Derby's Nature Connectedness Research Group has pioneered the science of human-nature relationships since 2013 and with WFET's support launched the Nature Connectedness Network to help practitioners everywhere put that insight to work.
Read more about Putting nature connection on the mapManchester-based Sow the City is on a mission to create greener cities and connect people with nature, starting with the communities that need it most. WFET's core funding supports their work in Moss Side and beyond, including the Greater Manchester Green and Blue Spaces Action Network they've since launched.
Read more about Greening a city, neighbourhood by neighbourhoodHow we’re creating change
We believe some of the most effective change happens when funders work together. In partnership with the Lund Trust, we’re developing a long-term, community-led programme to green urban neighbourhoods and deepen the connection between people and nature.
Jonny has served on the Wates Group Board since 2008 and is Chair of the board-level Sustainability Committee. He is a trustee of the Wates Foundation and the William Wates Memorial Trust.
Committed to finding solutions to climate change and resource over-consumption, Jonny has taken on numerous roles seeking to ensure that the built environment industry recognises the role it has to play in reducing the carbon impact of buildings. He is passionate about encouraging biodiversity and creating an enduringly harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.
He is a Trustee of Forum for the Future and serves on the advisory boards of Commonland (a not-for-profit organisation committed to landscape restoration on a massive scale), the World Benchmarking Alliance, and the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformation. He has a Master’s degree in Sustainability Leadership from Cambridge University and an MBA from Cranfield.
I am a landscape designer and environmental campaigner driven by a passion for people and nature. At WFET I work with the organisations we fund and a broad range of cross-sector partners to increase access to urban nature, supporting community-led solutions and national and local networks.
My work builds on 13 years of experience in sustainable food systems and environmental communications, including seven years leading community food and sustainable diets campaigns at environmental charity Hubbub. I hold a Diploma in Garden Design, Level 2 qualifications from the RHS and an MA in the Anthropology of Food. I am trained in Art of Hosting facilitation. I centre permaculture approaches and am currently studying for a masters in Landscape Architecture.
If you are a funder and are interested in learning more, please get in touch.
I am a Programme Coordinator for the Nature -Based Neighbourhoods: Growing Strong programme. A trained forester, I have spent much of my career working across landscapes in both the public and private sectors, including leading the Tree Health team in the Welsh Government and later supporting Defra on national biosecurity and plant health.
Over time, my work has increasingly centred on community ownership and empowerment, helping people shape the places they live and strengthening the relationship between communities and their local environment. I am passionate about creating opportunities for people to take meaningful, long-term stewardship of nature for future generations.
At the Wates Family Enterprise Trust, I support place-based impact by bringing partners and communities together to deepen connections between people and nature. My focus is on helping to build healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods where environmental action is something everyone can take part in.
Insecure, unhealthy housing prevents children and families from getting the fair start and stability they deserve. We back the people delivering safe, affordable homes and those driving for change – so everyone has a secure place to build their future.
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All young people deserve access to an education that helps them thrive. We unite people and services around children to spark change, grow what works and create opportunities for every young person.
More informationToo many people are shut out from the power of everyday nature and the joy, health and hope it brings. We work alongside local people in the areas that need it most to build greener neighbourhoods where everyone can flourish.
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