Charlie Tallis
Community Gathering
Building small actions to collective movement
We’re inviting individuals, changemakers, community and grassroots groups, local and regional organisations to come together for a free, in-person Community Gathering event.
Where: Sparks – Department of Imagination (first floor)
78 Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3DS
When: Saturday, July 11th, 10:00am-3:00pm
Cost: Free to attend
(c) George Cook
About the Community Gathering
This event is about connection, collaboration and shared learning. We’ll explore how action at every level, from individual actions and community-led projects, to city-wide and regional strategies, can support nature’s recovery and help build a stronger, more connected wider movement.
Whether you’re just getting started or already involved in nature or climate action, this gathering is designed to spark new connections, share ideas, and build confidence to take the next step. You’ll hear from a range of voices, discover what’s happening across Bristol and the wider region, and have space to ask questions, share challenges and successes, and explore opportunities to work together.
The focus is on conversation, participation and networking, creating a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone’s experiences and perspectives matter.
Speakers include:
- Wildlife Champions Claire Stone and Emily Coyte
- Youth Leadership Group members Etta and Sumaya
- Warmley Community Nature Reserve member Geoff Wilmer
- Totterdown Urban Nature Reserve lead Penny Russell
- Lambridge and Walcot Community Nature Haven lead Sarah Skeels
- Nature Together Coordinator for Bristol City Council, Natalie Watson
- West of England Nature Partnership Manager Zoe Davies
More about the speakers
Claire Stone is a proud Wildlife Champion (thank you, AWT!) and is currently aiming to save a local pond from drying out while building a community group with her friend and Co-Champion, Sarah.
It all started with a concern about some overly zealous mowing near some newly planted saplings, and their project just keeps on growing.
Emily Coyte is a Wildlife Champion for BS6 and creator of Creature Seekers: a new trail and accompanying interactive web app, which launched in St Andrew’s Park this summer.
The Creature Seekers trails are a new way to engage with local efforts to support wildlife, and get to know some overlooked and under-loved species, both online and outside!
I am a member of the Green Shoots Youth Leadership Group in Bristol, alongside being a member of Bristol City Youth Council and the UK Youth Parliament. I joined the Green Shoots project so I could help to build a better, more eco-friendly future, whilst encouraging other young people to join in.
I also help to spread the word by mentoring year 7's and 8's at school to actively teach young people about nature.
I am currently studying at college and I joined the Green Shoots Youth Leadership Group because it fits in with my beliefs.
Being part of the YLG makes me feel proud. I have met incredible, amazing people and I'm impressed with how much knowledge you can gain from others, and how much knowledge you can give them. I am excited for the future!
Old but young at heart and still moved every day by what nature can do to brighten our lives.
I love Warmley, both the local people and resident wildlife. We can and should all do our bit to make this happen, nature never ceases to surprise and give that tingle that makes you feel special in this world!’
Penny has lived in Totterdown for 24 years and is a director of the Totterdown Residents environmental and social action group (TRESA). A keen birdwatcher and amateur gardener since the 1990s, she has watched with dismay the decline of many bird populations in London and Bristol. She is passionate about grassroots activism and bringing communities together to improve their local area in an inclusive way.
She leads on the Totterdown Urban Nature Reserve (TUNR) within TRESA and feels strongly about protecting and improving biodiversity in our cities. In Bristol’s urban areas, gardens are a vital link in the biodiversity chain — a key focus of the TUNR.
Sarah is based in Bath and has been working actively on the climate and biodiversity crisis for the past 8 years. She is currently leading the Lambridge and Walcot Community Nature Haven project in her area, alongside a Front Gardens for Wildlife campaign, with a mission to increase biodiversity and build community locally.
Sarah also volunteers at Bath City Farm, supporting their Nature Connection/Wellbeing group and Ecology and Conservation program which includes working in their Wildflower Nursery. She particularly loves growing native wildflowers, plant-insect relationships, and discovering who we share our green spaces with!
Natalie Watson is the Nature Together Coordinator for Bristol City Council, whose work centres on helping people build meaningful connections with place through nature, heritage and culture. She has worked across museums, heritage sites and protected landscapes, most recently delivering public‑facing and community programmes for Natural England at the Avalon Marshes.
Natalie is particularly interested in how shared spaces can support wellbeing, learning and belonging, and her practice is rooted in partnership working, inclusion and nature‑connection.
Zoe is Manager of the West of England Nature Partnership (WENP), where she leads collaboration across the region to drive nature recovery. She works with partners in local government, business, academia and the environmental sector to shape policy, develop projects and embed nature into decisions about growth, resilience and wellbeing.
Before joining WENP, Zoe worked at the Royal Society as a Senior Policy Adviser on environment, land use and agriculture policy and at Wildlife and Countryside Link. She holds an M.Res. in Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation from UCL.
Agenda
Wildlife Champions group shot (C) Charlie Tallis
What to expect at the Community Gathering
Interactive discussions and open conversations
Community-led project showcasing and stories
Plenty of time to connect and network
A welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment
The focus is on participation, sharing goals, experiences, and learning from one another.
Who should attend the Community Gathering?
- Inspirational individuals, of all ages, interested in taking action for nature
- Youth and volunteers championing nature
- Community-led groups from all backgrounds
- Local and regional organisations
- Councillors and partners working on nature recovery
Whether you’re joining as an individual or representing a community group or organisation, this Community Gathering is an opportunity to connect, learn, and make your work for nature more effective.
Everyone is welcome!
By coming together in one room, we can:
- Break down silos and strengthen relationships
- Share challenges honestly and learn from each other
- Build collective momentum for nature’s recovery in our region
Individuals
You’ll have the chance to:
- Meet others who care about nature and are taking action locally
- Learn from real community projects and shared experiences
- Build confidence to take your next step — whatever that looks like for you
- Feel part of a wider movement working towards nature’s recovery
You don’t need to be an expert — curiosity, interest, and lived experience are just as valuable.
Youth groups
You’ll have the chance to:
- Build connections and strengthen community ties
- Make your voice heard
- Develop leadership skills
- Gain Inspiration and boost confidence
- Learn about local Issues and engage in collective action
- Open doors for future opportunities
Community-led groups
You’ll have the chance to:
- Meet others facing similar challenges and share what’s worked (and what hasn’t)
- Make useful connections with local organisations, funders and decision-makers
- Ask practical questions and get clearer routes to support, advice and resources
- Raise the profile of your work and learn from other community-led projects
If you’re part of an organisation
Registering gives you the opportunity to:
- Connect directly with community groups, volunteers, and partners
- Learn what’s happening on the ground and what support is most needed
- Share your work in an informal, relationship-building setting
- Explore opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and co-design
This is a space to listen, learn, and build trust — not to present or promote.
If you care about nature, strengthening community-led work, and want to be part of positive change, this gathering is for you.Avon Wildlife Trust
Wildlife Champions (c) Holly Jones
What will you leave with?
We know giving up a Saturday is a big ask! Our aim is that you leave feeling energised, better connected, and supported to take your next step.
Our aim is that you leave the gathering with:
New connections with people and groups working on similar issues
Practical ideas you can take back to your community or project
Clearer routes to support, advice, potential funding and partnerships
Inspiration and confidence to take your next step for nature
A sense that you’re not doing this alone — you are part of a wider movement
FAQs
How do I get to the Community Gathering?
The event will take place in Sparks – Department of Imagination in the centre of Bristol. It is easily accessible by public transport. Full venue details and travel guidance will be shared with registered attendees closer to the date.
What time is the event?
The gathering will run between 10:00am and 3:00pm on Saturday, July 11th, 2026. Specific timetable with talks TBC.
Will food and drinks be provided?
Yes. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. We’ll ask about dietary requirements when tickets are released.
How much does it cost?
The event is free to attend thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players.
Accessibility, Filming & Data Protection
- The venue is fully accessible. If you have any specific access needs, please let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to support you.
- Photos and short video recordings will be taken during the event for promotional and reporting purposes. If you’d prefer not to be included, please let a member of the team know on the day.
-
By registering your interest, you consent to us storing your details securely and using them only to contact you about this event and related updates, in line with GDPR. Your information will not be shared with third parties without your consent.
The Community Gathering event is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund with thanks to National Lottery Players
The National Lottery Community Fund
