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A new initiative by Co-op has been announced this week, aimed at supporting small-scale nature projects for mostly urban areas across the UK.

Co-op has teamed up with The National Trust, WWF and the RSPB to deliver the 'Nature Neighbourhoods Project'.

The project will target 18 local communities across the UK and will improve access and biodiversity in those areas.

The Co-op says: "The project will help mobilise communities and lead positive change for nature and people, through training, financial aid and collaborating with local authorities."

Each of the 18 communities will develop its own plan, in collaboration with local decision-makers.

Co-op has teamed up with The National Trust, WWF and the RSPB to deliver the project (Nub News).

Rory Crawford, Project Manager for the Nature Neighbourhoods partnership, said, "Urban nature doesn't tend to be the focus of wildlife documentaries. But most of us live in urban areas, and they present the biggest opportunity for people to access and take action for nature on a day-to-day basis.

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"Efforts to improve access and tackle the biodiversity and climate crises have not tended to focus on neighbourhoods experiencing high levels of deprivation, but the local community organisations involved in this project are at the forefront of addressing this."

Guy Stuart, Director of Technical, Agriculture and Sustainability at Co-op said: "Our members tell us how concerned they are around the effects of the climate crisis on people and the planet. Nature restoration and the halting of biodiversity-loss forms a central part on our approach to climate action, so our partnership with Nature Neighbourhoods is a landmark moment."

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