Today, George the Poet releases a new poem written for Nextdoor Nature – a ground-breaking community rewilding scheme which will be a natural legacy for the Queen’s Jubilee.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered by Devon Wildlife Trust, Nextdoor Nature will support around 200 new groups with 50 community organisers across the UK to re-introduce nature into local areas deprived of natural places to enjoy. In Devon this will mean working alongside communities, offering support and guidance to their ideas.

The poem – The Natural World – highlights how people can feel brighter and more at ease when they can tune into nature. It is performed and filmed on location across Manchester’s wilder quarters and it urges people to “celebrate nature in our everyday lives.”

Evidence shows that people are increasingly disconnected from nature, with profound consequences for health and it also means they are less likely to protect their natural heritage.

The poem explores George the Poet’s sense of being part of nature:

“…like the birds and bees.

Like the ferns, the seeds, the dirt, the trees.”

It ends:

“Let’s celebrate nature in our day to day,
 At home, at work, in how we talk, how we think.
It starts with recognising we’re part of it all.
Nature’s reaching out. Let’s answer the call.”

George the Poet says:

“Linking up with The Wildlife Trusts for Nextdoor Nature reminded me that nature is all around us – it is us. Let’s stay tapped in with the natural world.”

Listen, watch and share the poem here.

A suite of five short films are also released today to celebrate some of the communities who will benefit from Nextdoor Nature and inspire others with the art of the possible. They feature local champions who are passionate about their neighbourhoods and have achieved great things. You can view these at wildlifetrusts.org/nextdoor-nature from Friday 27^th May.

Nextdoor Nature is funded by £5million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – it is part of The National Lottery’s £22million investment to mark the Jubilee.

Led by The Wildlife Trusts, the scheme will run over the next two years giving people the skills, tools, and opportunity to take action for nature. This could include establishing wild habitats and green corridors in areas of economic and nature deprivation, rewilding school grounds, or naturalising highly urbanised or unused areas. The pandemic has demonstrated just how important access to a well-cared for natural environment is to communities across the UK.

Dr Simon Thurley CBE, Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, says:

“Encouraging people to get involved in nature, is not only critical for the wellbeing of our planet, it is critical for the wellbeing of our communities. A community-created green oasis in areas where there are none will not only have a transformative effect on the lives of those involved, it will bring joy and sense of pride to many. Thanks to funding raised by players of The National Lottery, we are delighted to work in partnership with The Wildlife Trusts on Nextdoor Nature to create a wonderful natural legacy for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”

You can find out more about Nextdoor Nature at wildlifetrusts.org/nextdoor-nature.