The programme follows the Council’s successful bid to secure nearly £1 million in Nature Towns and Cities funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Over the next three years, the project will transform the city’s green infrastructure for the benefit of both residents and nature, helping Portsmouth move towards becoming an officially recognised Nature City.
The Trust will play a central role in the project, helping bring nature closer to residents across the city by engaging communities and businesses to design greener, more wildlife-friendly streets, parks, and neighbourhoods. It’s work includes advising on wildlife habitats, guiding tree planting, creating rain gardens, and establishing corridors for wildlife to travel safely between green spaces.
Dawn O’Malley, Senior Engagement Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, represented the Trust at the launch, and said: “Attending Nature Positive Portsmouth was a real pleasure. The room was full of collaborative energy and a shared belief that nature recovery must sit at the heart of the places where we live and work. It was a privilege to join local partner organisations and businesses exploring how Portsmouth can lead the way in creating greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient neighbourhoods.
“I had the opportunity to present our refreshed Wilder 2030 vision, highlighting the importance of empowering communities, strengthening local nature networks, and ensuring green and blue spaces are accessible to everyone. It was fantastic to see how strongly this resonated with partners across the city, especially as Portsmouth continues to face the twin challenges of climate change and limited greenspace.”
The Trust believes that the Nature Towns and Cities project is a significant step forward, offering an opportunity for partners in Portsmouth to work together to create real and lasting change for wildlife and people.
Dawn adds: “By working collaboratively, sharing expertise, and investing in nature-based solutions, we can create real and lasting change. We’re excited to help build a Wilder Portsmouth, where nature flourishes across streets, parks, schools, and neighbourhoods, and communities are empowered to enjoy and care for their local environment.”
Portsmouth is one of the UK’s most densely populated cities, with green spaces often fragmented by roads and buildings. Nature Positive Portsmouth will help connect these areas, creating better habitats for wildlife and more opportunities for residents to enjoy nature, supporting their health and wellbeing while making the city greener and more climate-resilient.
Residents, businesses, and community groups who want to get involved in helping nature thrive in Portsmouth can find out more about the Trust’s work, including volunteering opportunities, local projects, and ways to support the Wilder 2030 vision here.
