The Wildlife Champions programme, run by Avon Wildlife Trust and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, is supporting 21 individuals to lead grassroots projects that restore nature while strengthening communities though a shared sense of purpose.

Across 19 projects in 11 postcodes, local people are transforming everyday spaces into places where both wildlife and community can thrive. From community gardens and nature reserves to bug-hunting trails, orchards and nature connection workshops, each project responds to the needs and ideas of its community while creating visible, lasting change for nature.

One of those Champions is Emma Norris in BS7, whose love of hedgehogs began with a simple act of cutting a small hole into her garden fence. When a hedgehog came wandering in, Emma saw first-hand how people can positively impact the wildlife living on their doorstep.

Emma said: “Watching hedgehogs brought home how much we need each other to protect wildlife. None of us can do much alone.”

Emma has brought neighbours together to create wildlife corridors through the network of back alleys behind their homes. The group, known as the ‘Unradicals’, have cut hedgehog holes into fences, built dead hedges, planted native species and created hand-painted signage that explains the benefits of their newly transformed and thriving urban nature reserve.

One group member shared: “This group has been a great opportunity to feel like I’m actively supporting local wildlife beyond the boundaries of my own garden and connect with other nature lovers.”

Over in BS30, Wildlife Champion Katya has taken a similarly community-led approach, working with neighbours to create a shared wildlife haven.

Katya said: “We humans need connection to thrive, through the Wildlife Champions programme, I grew the idea to develop connections with nature and wildlife as well as each other.” 

From the outset, neighbours were involved in shaping the space - deciding what they wanted to see and how it should be used. 

Katya added: “Sharing our time once a month, talking about the nature we are experiencing and our plans for the space has shown us we can create our own hope for people and wildlife, right where we live.”

This year alone, the group has planted a wildflower meadow and willow trees, built a bee bank and started composting, while allowing areas of grass to grow long for wildlife. Plans are already underway to grow fruit and vegetables, create signage and a pond.

Avon Wildlife Trusts supports Wildlife Champions through monthly training workshops on topics such as ecology, community organising and fundraising alongside one-to-one mentoring. They also have access to wildlife surveying equipment including trail cameras, bat detectors and ID guides. 

So far, the programme has delivered 49 one-to-one mentoring sessions - totalling over 73 hours of tailored support - alongside 10 workshops and a celebration event, bringing Champions together for a further 29 hours of shared learning.

Perhaps the most valuable benefit of the programme is the peer network it builds. Champions are encouraged to support one another, building confidence and creating a more self-sustaining movement of people taking action for nature.

One Wildlife Champion shared: “I felt very alone in my wildlife quest before joining the programme. I had lots of ideas and passion, but no like-minded people to share this with.”

Another Wildlife Champion added: “The sessions have helped me build my confidence and knowledge around involving my community in wildlife projects.”

Emma Fennel Hodson, Wildlife Champions Project Officer, said: “The Wildlife Champions programme helps people realise they’re not acting alone, but are part of a much wider network of like-minded people who care deeply and want to make a positive difference in their communities.”

The impact is set to grow further as the network expands into new areas, continuing to build momentum for community-led nature recovery.

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Wildlife Champions programme, with around 20 new places available. People interested in taking action for nature in their community can apply at www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-champions. 

Apply today

Applications close on 18 May.