One of the key aims of the Wildspace! Project is to encourage communities to assist in the management of their Local Nature Reserves through the establishment of ‘LNR Friends Groups’. These ‘Friends Groups’ will be able to become involved in every aspect of managing their Local Nature Reserve, from practical conservation work to organising social events.
Capital funding through Cambridge City Council and the Wildspace! Project means that these ‘Friends Groups’ can put forward proposals for improvements to their Local Nature Reserve. Ellis Selway the Community Reserves Officer will be working closely with these groups to help them become established and ultimately community led.
Additional funding can be claimed for by the Friends Groups to fund proposed projects. Local Authorities are restricted in claiming for some funding so that’s another reason why Friends Groups are so important!
So why should I get involved?
You will have the opportunity to have your say and take action to safeguard the future of your local environment.
What will be the benefits of becoming a friend?
- An opportunity to put your ideas into action!
- Practical work parties
- Education and Training opportunities
- Social events
- Talks by visiting speakers
- Newsletters
How much will it cost?
It is FREE. All it will cost you is as much as your time as you want to give.
What do I have to do if I am interested, and are there any friends groups already established?
Bramblefields LNR Friends Group
Established in July 2003 the group made a successful application for Sustainable City Funding to improve on site interpretation and establish a pond-dipping platform. There are currently 18 households who are ‘friends’ but the group has no formal structure and persons from the local community are needed to help lead the group. If you are interested in becoming involved please register your interest.
Nine Wells Friends Group
A Nine Wells management committee has been formed and this led to the production of a Summary Management Plan, outlining management objectives and potential management options. A ‘Friends Group’ is required to implement this management plan and promote the reserve to the wider community. If you are interested in becoming involved please register your interest.
This database will be used to gauge the level of interest on a site-by-site basis. We will then endeavour to keep you in touch with any developments.
Register your interest in establishing Friends Groups at any of the other reserves.