Local charity, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust are bringing together individuals from all communities to reduce barriers to accessing nature and improve wellbeing...
Communities across Watford are benefitting from a 3-year Wilder Watford project which empowers them to challenge their right of access to nature and green spaces, and to reap the benefits of the many health and wellbeing benefits this delivers.
The project is being led by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, a local wildlife charity, who have an established history of making a positive impact on nature and getting more people to care about wildlife in the Borough. This project is building on that to bring together people from historically marginalised and under resourced communities, learn what they would like in their community and explore how to make it a reality, reconnect with nature and play a part in addressing the climate crisis.
Photo by Amy Trotter
Amy Trotter, Wilder Community Officer for the Wilder Watford Project, said: “Studies show there is social inequality in access to nature. People with low incomes are less likely to be able to access nature. Accessing green and blue spaces is linked to various health benefits including reduced stress, increased physical health and improved mental and cognitive health. Should this not be accessible to everyone? Should we not be pulling together to make this a reality? I wholeheartedly believe we should.
“Getting out into nature, for me personally, provides me with the opportunity to switch off, breathe and gain some mental clarity. Life can feel very busy and sometimes overwhelming. Having a safe space to walk and enjoy nature is a privilege I don’t take for granted. Knowing that many don’t have this access fuels my commitment to expanding these opportunities to communities that need them most.”
Through the project, Amy is learning what nature means to different people and what they need to restore pride in the heart of their communities. For example, she attended the Herts Pride event in Cassiobury Park with the Trust, has supported the Garston Station Community Garden, brought Watford’s carers together for a nature walk, is inspiring students at West Herts College to value nature through a product design project, and has enjoyed getting the thoughts of the SEND Youth Council at Watford Young People’s Centre.
The Wilder Watford project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) and Swire Charitable Trust.
In early 2026, Amy will be running listening cafes, an opportunity for people to have a say on what they feel their community needs, in terms of improving their local green spaces and the nature within it. People can drop in and chat with Amy about any ideas or suggestions they may have before deciding upon their final ideas. These informal events will be held across Watford in January and February next year. Anyone interested in coming along to a listening cafe to learn more, or to seek advice and support for a wild project, can get in touch with Amy at wildersupport@hmwt.org
