Wildlife Gardening by Stephanie Foote
Team Wilder
Be Part of Team Wilder
Research shows that if just one person in every four takes up a cause, this can be enough to change the minds and behaviour of the majority. Imagine what we could achieve if that cause was nature: if a quarter of people in Beds, Cambs and Northants created more space for wildlife to bring back what we’ve lost.
That’s our goal: to harness the collective energy and talents of our county and bring everyone together into a bigger, bolder movement for nature’s recovery. We’re calling this TeamWilder.
We want to hear from you and how your community is connecting with local wildlife and how we can support you to do even more. Get in touch by completing our Team Wilder contact form.
What is Team Wilder?
Watch this short video from a recent Team Wilder project at Russell House in Northampton.
Meet the Team
Ellen Pentland
Role: Wilder Communities Officer, Ellen is leading on the delivery of the Team Wilder project
Contact details:
ellen.pentland@wildlifebcn.org
07540 670229
“I am really excited to be leading such an amazing project which will benefit not only communities but also our local wildlife. Our nature has been declining in recent years and it’s time that we all do our bit to bring nature back from the brink and see it thriving again. Connecting and caring for nature in our three counties will not only help our wildlife but improve lives in our local communities.
Through Team Wilder communities will be supported to take action and care for wildlife where they live, learn, and work. No matter what the action every small step can make a huge difference and help to change the fate of nature. The Team Wilder movement will create vital corridors across towns, cities and countryside for wildlife and form part of a network of natural havens linking urban green spaces together with habitats across the three counties.
My role is to advise and support anybody who wants to join the Team Wilder movement. Whether it’s helping your community learn more about nature, or creating a wildlife area we are here to help guide and give you lots of advice from experts all over our trust. If you have an idea, but are not sure where to start then please do get in touch!”
Wilder Resources Kit
Do you want to bring nature to your home, community, business or land?
Find advice and resources below on how to create and maintain wilder spaces.
Sign up for a wilder inbox
Click the button below if you would like to sign up to the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants mailing list, to receive updates on our work, news and events.
Supporting Community Organising for Nature’s Recovery
CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, is proud to fund our community organising work for the next two years (September 2024 – 2026), enabling us to take a big step forward in how we engage with people and communities.
Together, we’re extending the Nextdoor Nature programme to move from traditional engagement and outputs to a community organising approach focused on meaningful outcomes. This means supporting people to connect with nature, take ownership of local projects, and lead positive change for wildlife where they live.
Why People Are Key to Nature’s Recovery
Nature needs us and we need nature. Yet too many people feel disconnected from their natural environment. Through our community organiser approach, we’ve engaged new communities, many experiencing nature for the first time. These experiences have inspired people to take meaningful action, forming a growing network of local nature champions.
Building on Success & Scaling Up
Over the last two years, community groups have made great progress especially around the Nene Wetlands and Irthlingborough. With CityFibre’s support, we’ll:
- Deliver training for current groups, giving them the skills to thrive independently.
- Support new groups across Northamptonshire, Peterborough, Bedfordshire to create locally-led Nature Recovery Plans.
- Mentor our wider team, using community organising principles to engage more people, build local power, and support meaningful action for nature.
We’ll use active listening sessions, community drop-ins, and collaborative planning workshops to ensure community voices shape each nature recovery plan—tailored to local needs, concerns, and cultural values.
Working Together
By combining CityFibre’s funding, our community organising expertise, and the passion of local people, we’re helping create a cultural movement for nature. Together, we’re building stronger, connected communities ready to lead the way for nature’s recovery.
Gardening c Penny Dixie Wildlife Trusts
Wildlife Gardening Awards
Find out more
Sarah Lambert