Somerset Council and Somerset Wildlife Trust are working together to help residents, community groups and parish, town and city councils turn local ideas into action, with training, resources and advice available to support local projects.
The partnership will be launched with a free online event on Tuesday 24 November, where people can find out what support is available, hear more about new funding opportunities, and learn how they can get involved.
The support is linked to Somerset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), published earlier this year, to help identify priorities for nature recovery and where local action can make the greatest difference. It can also help communities understand what is important locally when responding to planning consultations or contributing to local decision-making.
As part of the support available, communities can also apply to Somerset Council's Local Nature Recovery Strategy Community Seed Fund, which is supporting local projects that contribute to the priorities and measures set out in the LNRS. Applications are open until 11 January 2027 and can be found here.
Under the Environment Act 2021, public bodies, including parish, town, and city councils, have a duty to conserve and enhance biodiversity.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Environment and Climate Change, said:
“Communities across Somerset have a vital role to play in helping nature recover, and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to turn their ideas into action.
“Working with Somerset Wildlife Trust means communities can access practical advice, support and funding to help make a difference to where they live. I’d encourage residents, community groups and parish, town and city councils to join the webinar and find out how they can get involved.”
Mark Ward, Wilder Communities Manager at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said:
“We know from our work with Somerset’s communities what a difference people can make when they work together and have the right support.
Taking action for nature can also bring wider benefits for communities, including health, wellbeing and resilience.
"We recognise that parish and town councils already have a lot on their to-do lists, which is why we want to make it easier for communities to understand what they can do and access the support available.”
The first webinar, Nature & Climate Action in Somerset: How You and Your Community Can Help, takes place online on Tuesday 24 November, followed by Local Nature & Climate Action in Somerset: What, Where, When and How? on Tuesday 26 January 2027. Both sessions will offer practical information to help communities understand the support available and take action locally.
Find out more and register for the upcoming events: Somerset Wildlife Trust events
Find out more about Somerset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy: Somerset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Applications can be made via the Council’s LNRS Community Seed Fund page by 11 January 2027. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the guidance available on the application page before applying.
Pre-application advice is also available from the Council’s LNRS Team by emailing LNRS@somerset.gov.uk.
