Rapid Rewilding 2026 - Do you have a Space that Could Do More for Nature?

Do you have a space that could do more for nature?

The People's Park for Nature is launching Rapid Rewilding — a new community initiative that brings together volunteers, conservation specialists and local knowledge to deliver practical biodiversity improvements across the Lower Ouse Valley.

Over one action-packed weekend this September, we'll be working on multiple sites to create habitats, restore wildlife spaces and share practical skills. Think of it as DIY SOS for Nature—bringing together people with the skills, enthusiasm and tools to make a real difference.

Could your Site Benefit?

We're looking for projects that will make a positive impact for wildlife and can be completed in a single day by a team of volunteers.

Suitable sites could include:

• Private gardens

• Allotments

• Farms

• Woodland

• Community spaces

• Schools

• Churches

• Public green spaces (where permission has been obtained)

Examples of projects include:

• Creating wildlife ponds

• Planting native hedgerows

• Establishing or restoring wildflower meadows

• Building dead hedges and habitat piles

• Installing no-dig growing beds

• Planting wildlife-friendly borders

• Creating habitats for birds, bats or pollinating insects

• Improving existing habitats through practical management

If you have another idea that will benefit biodiversity, we'd love to hear about it.

What Happens Next?

Once applications have been received, projects will be assessed and grouped by location to create an efficient programme of work across the weekend.

Each selected project will be supported by experienced volunteers and specialists who will work alongside you to deliver lasting improvements for nature. The event is also designed to be a learning experience, giving everyone involved the opportunity to gain practical conservation skills that they can apply in their own spaces.

How to Apply

If you'd like your project to be considered, please tell us:

• Where your site is located.

• A brief description of the site.

• What you would like to achieve.

• Why you think it will benefit wildlife.

• Any photos that help explain the project.

• Whether there are any access considerations or special requirements.

Don't worry if your idea isn't fully developed—we're happy to help shape projects into something achievable.

Selection Criteria

Projects will be selected based on:

• Biodiversity benefit.

• Practicality within a single day.

• Volunteer safety and accessibility.

• Availability of materials and expertise.

• Geographical location alongside other selected projects.

Unfortunately, we may not be able to support every application this year, but we hope to make Rapid Rewilding an annual event and encourage unsuccessful applicants to apply again in future.

Let's Make Space for Nature

Whether it's a small wildlife pond, restoring a neglected corner, creating new habitats or transforming an entire garden, every project has the potential to make a difference.

Together, we can demonstrate what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose: creating more space for wildlife, building practical conservation skills and helping nature recover across the Lower Ouse Valley.

Applications are now open.

We look forward to hearing your ideas and working together to make Rapid Rewilding 2026 our biggest community conservation event yet.

Please send all applications to Brett who is leading this project.