Trowels out 

This spring has seen communities across the Staffordshire Moorlands spring into action. Nature-depleted grass verges and green spaces are being reimagined as vibrant wildflower meadows, with bulbs and plug plants now firmly in the ground. May’s rain arrived just in time to help them thrive. 

Volunteers have dived into citizen science with enthusiasm. They’ve shown real determination to overcome various challenges and support biodiversity in their local areas.  

Local groups have been leading the charge: 

• In Cheadle, Friends of Cecilly Brook have sown yellow rattle seeds to help create a species-rich meadow.
• In Leek, Friends of Ladderedge Country Park have built a dead hedge using natural materials and extended bluebell coverage in the woodland.
• Swifts of Leek have planted roadside plug plants in Haregate to boost insect life and support local swift populations. 

Nature by numbers 

Alongside this hands-on work, residents have also embraced citizen science by recording wildlife through seasonal surveys and national initiatives like the City Nature Challenge. 

Across project sites, more than 2,000 species have already been identified, giving communities a deeper understanding of their local ecosystems and how they’re changing over time. 

Newly installed Nature in Your Neighbourhood signposts are also encouraging visitors to get involved, helping to turn everyday walks into opportunities to spot and share wildlife. 

Connecting people and nature 

The project has also been creating new ways for people to connect with nature. An illustrated wildlife guide featuring species found across the Staffordshire Moorland is now available for residents. This was created using data gathered through community surveys. 

This spring also saw families come together in Longnor, Westwood (Leek), Rudyard, Biddulph and Tean for the Ceremony of the Seed. This creative event explored personal connections with nature and participants planted seeds to take home and support pollinators. I'm pictured at the Tean event below with my partner Zander. 

Powered by community 

As the project continues to grow, one thing is clear: it is being driven by the enthusiasm, creativity and commitment of local people. 

With every planting session, survey and shared sighting, communities are helping to build a greener, more wildlife-friendly Staffordshire Moorlands.

Get involved 

Nature in Your Neighbourhood is open to everyone. You don’t need any experience. Whether you’re curious about wildlife, want to improve your local green space, or simply get outdoors and meet others, there are plenty of ways to take part. 

The Nature in Your Neighbourhood project is a five year project made possible with thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK. The project is led by SWT in partnership with Keele University, Moorlands Climate Action, OUTSIDE, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services (SCVYS).