Connecting Through Nature team to begin meeting communities across Sunderland

Over the coming weeks, Sunderland City Council's Project Lead Anne Gladwin will be joined by Cathy Sharp and Pip Jackson from Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT) to start conversations with residents, schools and local groups about nature in Sunderland.

The team will be visiting key locations right across the city including King George V Park in Pennywell, Princess Anne Park in Washington and Cut Throat Dene in Fulwell.  The list of locations will grow as the team get out and about, allowing the team to hear directly from the people who use these spaces every day. These early conversations will help shape how the project supports communities to revitalise local greenspaces, improve access to nature and create welcoming, vibrant places for everyone.

Connecting Through Nature aims to help nature thrive across Sunderland while supporting residents to care for the places around them. By working closely with communities, the project will create opportunities for volunteering, outdoor activities, training, nature‑based social prescribing, and access to new education courses in conservation and horticulture. Small grants will also be available to help local groups bring their ideas to life.

Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet member for Environment Transport and Net Zero at Sunderland City Council said: "Connecting Through Nature is all about helping people feel more connected to the places on their doorstep. By meeting residents and listening to ideas, we can support communities to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits, and this project will make it easier for people to enjoy nature as part of everyday life."

Anne Gladwin, Project Lead for Connecting Through Nature at Sunderland City Council, said: "We're really looking forward to getting out into communities and hearing what people value most about local greenspaces. These conversations will guide how we work together to improve habitats, create opportunities for people to get involved and ensure parks are welcoming, accessible and full of life."

Emily Routledge, Head of Development Durham Wildlife Trust added: "Connecting Through Nature is a project which will bring communities together, strengthen wellbeing and help local people build a deeper connection to nature and each other. We are proud to work alongside Sunderland Council, partners and residents in Connecting Through Nature and our other projects in Sunderland to create lasting benefits for both wildlife and communities."

Residents are also being encouraged to share their views through the Connecting Through Nature survey Have Your Say Today - Answer the survey - Connecting Through Nature which invites people to share what they love about nature in Sunderland.

As the project gets underway, communities are encouraged to enjoy the city's parks and greenspaces this spring through the Blossom Programme, delivered in partnership with the National Trust. The programme includes a range of family‑friendly activities, guided walks and events celebrating the arrival of blossom across Sunderland's parks, hedgerows and nature-rich spaces.

The full programme of Blossom events will be available from mid/late March on the Connecting Through Nature website: Connecting Through Nature - MySunderland

Connecting Through Nature is funded through the Nature Towns and Cities Programme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Natural England and the National Trust. Sunderland is one of only 19 successful bids nationally, securing almost £490,000 to help communities access and enjoy nature more easily.