The event, which took place in February 2026, welcomed around 30 community group leaders and individuals keen to make more space for wildlife, share ideas and strengthen connections. The day focused on community connectivity — exploring how gardens, shared green spaces and local projects can benefit nature and become richer habitats for wildlife.

The day featured a range of engaging sessions and real-life stories, including from two Wilder Garden Champions who shared their experiences of wildlife gardening, offering an honest account of the discoveries, delights, joys and challenges they have encountered while creating space for nature in their garden.

Dawn OMalley, Senior Engagement Manger at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “Another inspiring Team Wilder Conference, bringing together community group leaders from the Greening Campaign with Team Wilder. There were wonderful presentations including from our Garden Champions, and it was really fun sharing a few new ideas for engaging and listening to people in a creative way. I’m so proud of my team and I can’t wait until the next one.”

Susan Simmonds, Community Ecologist at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, led a session exploring how some of our more common plants can provide everything insects need, highlighting that attracting more pollinators doesn’t necessarily require spending money on wildflower seed but may simply mean embracing the weeds already growing in our green spaces.

Susan said: “It was fabulous to be in a room full of communities keen to make changes and to do what they can to support nature. It may be small changes, like reducing the frequency of mowing in your garden, or it might be larger projects like creating natural connectivity across the community such as hedgerows and wildflower verges. It was lovely to be given the opportunity to speak at the conference and I’m looking forward to working with some of these communities in the next few months.”

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the reserve and wildlife garden, seeing ideas in action and continuing conversations outdoors. A presentation will also be available outlining how two successful community engagement initiatives, Tree Guardians and Scarecrows, demonstrate that creative, local projects can help bring people together and inspire participation. 

The day concluded with interactive community consultation and listening activities, giving participants practical tools and fresh approaches to take back to their own groups, alongside valuable networking opportunities.

Shelley Hitchin, Careers Consultant, attended the Conference and said: “A brilliant day exploring the possibilities of how we can make space for nature through wildlife gardening and other community projects and through individual actions. Great to connect with a range of people engaging in community projects as well as individuals making space for nature in their gardens. Included an inspiring talk about wildlife gardening, how a garden was designed with wildlife in mind and the impact that has had and continues to do, and how we need to embrace the weeds – looking at pollinators and common plants. Opportunity to explore possibilities through networking and how to take ideas further. Looking forward to continuing the connections and opportunities to get involved.”

Attendees also said: “Great presentation from local speakers that we had a connection to.” and “Such a valuable conference, thank you! I took a good deal from it.”

The Space for Nature mini-conference showcased the power of communities coming together to share knowledge, experiences and enthusiasm for wildlife. From small individual actions to ambitious projects, the message is clear: collective action can make a meaningful difference for nature’s recovery.

This was the third Team Wilder Space for Nature mini-conference, building on the success of previous events and continuing to inspire communities to take action for wildlife and nature.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust looks forward to continuing to support these communities in the months and years ahead as they turn ideas into action and help create a wilder future across our two counties.

If you would like to take action for nature in your community or find out more about how we can support you please get in touch with Katy Gary, Senior Community Development Officer. Email: Katy.Gary@hiwwt.org.uk 

To find out more about Team Wilder visit here.