Championing Nature, a new programme aimed at creating positive, lasting impact in urban communities through greater connections and engagement with nature, has launched.

The multi-million-pound programme will be delivered by four Wildlife Trusts: the London Wildlife Trust; Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust; the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside; and Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

During the next six years, these Wildlife Trusts will each receive investment from The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Emirates to fund bespoke projects and initiatives in their local urban areas, with a particular focus on bringing disadvantaged children, young people aged 16-24, and families closer to nature, and creating a lasting infrastructure legacy for the benefit of future generations.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be working on this exciting new partnership,” said Rory Andrews, Greater Manchester nature recovery manager. “This collaboration will provide a huge boost for both people and nature in Wythenshawe—helping to create greener, healthier spaces and inspiring more local residents to connect with the natural world on their doorstep.

“Together, we’re laying the foundations for lasting change that will benefit communities and wildlife for years to come.”

Using the funding, the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside will support a transformative community-driven initiative that addresses the decline of nature in the Wythenshawe area of Greater Manchester, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and belonging by empowering the community, and children, young people and families in particular, to care for local wildlife and green spaces. This will include learning workshops, school partnerships, skill development, community volunteering, habitat restoration and species recording, with the aim of creating a nature corridor through this urban environment.

Championing Nature will be a transformational hyper-local programme in Manchester, connecting a very specific geographic community with the nature around them, with support from Manchester City Council.