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The most important partnerships are often the informal ones, with the people living near to project sites. Even if you are a group of local residents, other neighbours will often feel a strong sense of interest in and ownership of a site. Make sure that other local community groups are informed of what you will be doing before you start. The last thing that you need is people coming out to complain about damage to their favourite piece of "the environment". Direct action in the community may also enable you to involve more local people in the work. This has been known to bring about benefits, including a reduction in vandalism through the feeling of collective involvement in and responsibility for the area.
The feeling of collective involvement. People using the site may also travel from some distance for recreation. Make sure that visitors to the site are aware of what you are doing. Put an information board up which explains who the group is and what you are doing. Site board stickers designed for this purpose are available from BTCV. The ACCRA Environment Project in Brixton has been working with Lambeth Council, BTCV, London Wildlife Trust and two local schools to create and develop three nature gardens on the Moorlands 'Barrier Block' estate. These areas not only provide important habitats for local plants and animals, but are also a valuable educational resource and have enabled local residents to make a real difference to their local environment. All content copyright © 1986-2008 BTCV Ltd. Registered charity No. 261009 |
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