Growing People’s Plans for Nature: Reflections from Newport

Earlier this month, Bei and Keziah packed their bags and headed down to Newport for the latest Nature Neighbourhoods cohort gathering - a chance to learn from other organisations and get inspired by the ways communities across are transforming their neighbourhoods in creative and sustainable ways.

Nature Neighbourhoods is a UK-wide initiative supporting 18 organisations to develop people-powered plans for nature. For us, that work is rooted right here in Lincoln Green, shaped by the voices, knowledge, and lived experience of the people who call it home. We’re proud to be part of a movement that’s all about restoring nature with communities, not just for them.

The gathering was co-hosted by the brilliant Greening Maindee, a community-led project reimagining public space in Newport. Over two days, we explored everything from the vibrant Maindee Triangle to the community library garden and pollinator-friendly planting sites. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities are empowered to lead nature recovery on their own terms.

We also took part in a workshop with TIALT, where we explored creative approaches to evaluation and what it means to centre nature in community life. We reflected on the stories we tell about our work, and how we might better capture the impact of community-led nature projects - not just in numbers, but through shared experiences.

We came back to Leeds energised and full of ideas for Lincoln Green, with fresh eyes for how our gardens, gathering spaces, and even the smallest corners of the neighbourhood can bring people and nature closer together.

Nature Neighbourhoods is part of the People’s Plan for Nature, a national call to protect and restore the natural world by putting communities at the centre.