In autumn 2024, the Trust and Abri launched a brand-new partnership to help make the Mansbridge estate in Southampton a wilder, greener, and more connected place to live.

Now, six months on, Project Officer Jill Doubleday shares some of the highlights from the first phase of the project where community spirit, creativity and care for nature have taken root.

Getting started: Connecting with the community: Sept – Dec 2024 

The project kicked off with plenty of conversations and cups of tea. Drop-ins at the Roundabout Café and appearances at Abri events like Kelly House Coffee Morning and Accessible Allotment consultation played a big part in raising awareness and starting to build relationships with local residents. These moments, organised by Community Development Officer Cara Headon, helped lay the foundations for what was to come. 

One early milestone was Nature Connection training delivered in October to Abri’s Grounds Maintenance team, led by Jill and Dawn from the Trust. 

“This training aims to deepen our connection with nature and to understand how community organising, access to green spaces and nature connection opportunities plays an essential role in inspiring sustainable practices and action for nature across our communities.” – Dawn OMalley Senior Engagement Manager, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust 

Also in October, families gathered for a hands-on nature day at the Community Orchard, braving the rain to take part in bug hunting, seed sowing, and nature crafts including making willow stars and ladybird wood cookie necklaces. 

Wilder schools and 100 new trees:  Jan – Mar 2025 

In the new year, Mansbridge Primary joined the Wilder Schools programme, with the first whole-school assembly held in March and a school grounds assessment by Craig from the Trust. Plans are underway for an outdoor classroom, tree planting, and a June performance poetry workshop with the Hampshire Poet Laureate. 

The school’s newly formed eco committee is already brimming with ideas. One child even shared how they’d rescued frogs trapped under a trampoline at home - proof that Mansbridge has some young naturalists already on the case! 

Meanwhile, to mark Mansbridge estate’s centenary, the Abri Grounds Management Team planted 100 trees between October and February. This led to the launch of the Tree Guardian Scheme in February. 

Tree Guardians choose a tree to watch over, and receive a personalised label, a certificate, and a gift (gardening gloves or a watering can). They also got creative with seed ball making and added their wishes to our Wishing Tree, everything from “more bees and flowers” to “hedgehogs and owls” (and less litter!). 

Since the launch, six more Tree Guardians have signed up via social media and word of mouth. The scheme is growing, with more events on the way. 

Wildflower meadows and wildlife walks 

In late February, work began to create two new wildflower areas, one in the Memorial Garden on Mansbridge Road and another on the Howard Close slope. The Abri Grounds Management Team removed turf and topsoil before sowing wildflower seed and even repurposed the turf to protect tree roots from vehicle damage nearby. 

A few days later, local resident and wildlife enthusiast Bob led a guided nature walk along Monks Brook Greenway and Meadow. Highlights included sightings of a kingfisher, kestrel, two buzzards, and even Purple Toothwort a rare plant only found in two sites across Southampton! 

Looking Ahead 

As we round off the first six months, we’re already planning for the next phase: more school outreach sessions, a workshop for the eco committee, a staff INSET day, and plenty more opportunities to connect people with the nature on their doorstep. 

Thank you to everyone who’s joined us so far, whether you’ve planted a tree, made a wish, or just said hello at an event. Mansbridge is becoming wilder, one small action at a time. 

Stay tuned for more updates as the Wilder Mansbridge project continues to grow.