In last month's e-newsletter we asked our community to share their thoughts on whether they felt there was adequate access to nature in their local area. What came back was a range of responses - to be expected when we have such a variety of different landscapes, towns, cities, villages and environments across our three counties!
What we also found was a difference in people's perceptions of what access to nature might mean for them; for some, a nearby green space might be enough, whereas others define access to nature as total immersion surrounded by nothing but wild flora and fauna.
Read on below to see what people said...
"Living in Wellingborough where there is huge ongoing development over the past few years, we have lost access to some footpaths through nature and the countryside. We have also sadly lost some urban woodland where children will connect and explore nature close to their homes. We would like to see another nature reserve area to the north of our town with trees, hedges and shrubs to balance this and spread visitors more evenly as our local population increases.
"Putting in good paths keeps people where you want them to walk, reducing impact across the whole of the reserves. Paths could allow for push chairs, wheelchairs and elderly to access nature better through the year."
- Julia and John R
"Most definitely. I live near Stanwick Lakes, Rochester Country park is nearby plus Rushden Lakes is full of various walks. The Nene Wetlands centre offers Beaver watches plus creative activities such as willow weaving."
- Marianne H
"I have always been very interested in nature and wildlife, for as long as I can remember. In fact I worked as a volunteer ranger on the Great Fen Project for 11 years.
"After losing my wife my interest in wildlife became my saviour, both physically and mentally for sure.
"I just can't express how important my overwhelming interest in wildlife, particularly, birds, butterflies, dragonflies and orchids became. Not to mention the wonderful people whom I met over the years.
"All I can say, is get out there and feel the buzz.
Howard B
"I have noticed that in local nature reserves access to the waterside, be it rivers, lakes or ponds, is often severely limited. Without access to the water there will be no pond-dipping for today’s youth and they will miss out on a vital learning experience. So please let’s have more access to the water courses.
"In general access is becoming a serious obstacle to field nature studies. Young people must be encouraged to explore and not be put off by lengths of barbed wire fencing, and not be reprimanded every time they step off a footpath. I do understand that just because we (the public) pay subs and make donations it doesn’t mean we should have unlimited access to sensitive sites, but the public must be encouraged to visit, enjoy and observe and as much and as often as possible."
- Graham H
"Since joining the Wildlife Trust we have only visited two of the reserves listed for the following reasons: 1. There aren't reserves close to Biggleswade and 2. While there are several reserves to visit because we need to travel to them, parking is an issue and this has deterred us from visiting."
- Heather F
"Make full use of the Town and Country Planning system. This means formulating a strategic long term vision of accessible open space/nature reserves that can inspire the public and be incorporated in the statutory planning process. This can then be implemented using planning tools like CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) and BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain).
"It is critical that BCN and other trusts use these tools and then tell politicians and public servants how helpful they are."
- Robert B
"There is not enough access to nature in my area (PE8). I would say that of course, because I notice and appreciate living things, but the reason is that in the last six years so much nature has been destroyed by drought and aggressive farming: nutrient runoff, trashing vegetation, excavating the top mile of brook catchment with a JCB, building a new roads through farmland, burning debris next to the water course.
"What could be done to increase it? Wait for the current generation of farmers to retire and train the next lot to be aware of their responsibilities. By which time there will be nothing left.
"I realise that destructive farming is related to land ownership, global commodity prices, extreme weather, profitability and patchy government support. But the best farmers, who perhaps constitute 15 or 20%, seem to be able to grow crops without totally devastating their fields and hedges. Nicholas Watts at Vine House Farm famously said: “You just have to be interested.” I think a well-educated and well-adjusted person can make even a mad system work reasonably well."
- Rupert P
"I have recently volunteered to serve as a Community Safety and Wellbeing Officer for the Boxworth community, with the aim of creating a dedicated point of contact for residents and promoting opportunities that strengthen community wellbeing, engagement and social connections.
"Whilst Boxworth is fortunate to be situated within a unique rural landscape rich in ancient and veteran woodlands, there appear to be limited opportunities for residents to access informal community spaces where people can come together freely, engage at their own pace and within their own comfort zones, without the structure of organised meetings or events.
"Open community spaces play an important role in supporting health, wellbeing and social cohesion. They provide opportunities for residents of all ages to connect with one another, reduce isolation, build friendships and strengthen the sense of community that is so important within village life.
"As part of this role, I have offered my services to work collaboratively with local officials and community stakeholders to identify opportunities for additional community spaces.
"Outdoor spaces are particularly important for individuals facing vulnerabilities or personal challenges. Access to nature and green spaces has long been recognised as beneficial to wellbeing, helping to improve quality of life, reduce social isolation and encourage positive community engagement.
"When gaps in community cohesion are identified, meaningful change often begins with someone willing to speak up and champion new opportunities. By exploring projects such as community allotments and other accessible open spaces, I hope to contribute towards a stronger, healthier and more connected Boxworth for current and future generations."
- Maria G