Caithness communities can lead the way in nature restoration
A free online skills development programme developed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust is now available to people and communities across Scotland.
Over the past two years, nearly 40 community leaders have taken part in the Nextdoor Nature Pioneers Programme, a training course which has equipped them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to organise positive action for nature and improve their neighbourhoods.
The online modules from the programme are now freely accessible for anyone to sign up to. Subjects covered during the eight-week e-learning course range from basic wildlife ecology to how to secure funding for community projects, with a number of additional optional modules available once people have completed the course.
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The Pioneers Programme was developed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as part of the Nextdoor Nature project. People from 37 communities across Scotland took part in the programme, during which the series of online modules were combined with monthly interactive webinars and regular in-person events. Participants also received one-to-one support to help them set up community-led initiatives including tree planting, litter picks, community gardens and protecting river habitats.
As well as enabling communities to proactively help wildlife, the Nextdoor Nature project has also provided other benefits for participants. These include improvements to mental wellbeing and physical health, as well as a stronger sense of community spirit and local pride.
With the online modules now available to everyone, the Scottish Wildlife Trust hopes the project legacy will continue long into the future.
Pete Haskell, head of communications and engagement at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “Communities have a key part to play in helping nature to recover across Scotland. Our hope is that what we’ve developed through this project will help more and more communities take action for nature”.
To find out more and to sign up for the online course, visit learn.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/index.php/nextdoor-nature-pioneers-programme/