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Make the difference
Community groups are a powerful way to make a difference for nature and people where you live. They bring neighbours together, strengthen community spirit, and improve local spaces for wildlife and residents alike. If you’re thinking about starting a group, here’s how to get going:
Start with the big questions
- What’s your goal?
Be clear about what you want to achieve – planting wildflowers, creating habitats, improving green spaces? - Are there existing groups nearby?
Joining forces can make your impact bigger and avoid duplication. - Who will help run the group?
A few committed people make things easier. - Who will join?
Think about how to attract people from all walks of life. What will they gain by being involved? - Where can you spread the word?
Local events, noticeboards, social media – talk to as many people as possible, listen to ideas. - How will you fund activities?
Explore grants, donations, or partnerships. - What will you do together?
Walks, planting days, wildlife surveys – activities keep people engaged.
Essentials for getting started
- Applying for funding
- Building confidence in your group
- Working in partnership with others.
- Who your council is and how to contact them
- What their priorities are for nature and green spaces
- How you can work together.
- Visit your local nature reserves and parks
- Look at a map of the area to help give an overview of your area and may help you spot opportunities to connect and improve nature. The MAGIC interactive map is a great place to start
- Contact your local wildlife trust or conservation NGO to find out if they have any local information
- Look at the LNRS or biodiversity action plans on your council website to learn about important species and habitats in your area
- Join other wildlife interest groups also working in or around your area.
Top tips for success
- Give your group a name. This will help create an identity for your group, builds a sense of belonging, and makes it easier for others to recognise and connect with you.
- Make allies. Talk to people, ask questions, and find the right contacts.
- Connect with your council. Attend neighbourhood forums, email the Town Clerk, and join public meetings. Research council values and plans for nature – suggest ideas that fit their vision.
- Do your homework. Learn about the wildlife in your area to help inspire ideas
- Find out who manages green spaces. It could be the council, housing association, or private landowner
- Communicate well. WhatsApp, email, or social media – choose what works best. Share photos and updates to keep people motivated.
- Set clear goals. A shared vision keeps everyone focused and inspired.
The Community WildBelt project is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Please cite this resource as: Chiltern Society Community WildBelt Toolkit (2025) by the Chiltern Society, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, licensed under CC BY 4.0
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Be a WildBelt volunteer
No experience necessary, and tools and training will be provided.
You’ll be working with different parish councils, community groups and private land owners. You may be involved in planting a new orchard, improving the biodiversity of chalk streams, tree planting, creating a wildflower meadow or recording wildlife.
Join us
Chiltern Society membership is a very simple way to do something practical to help protect and maintain the Chilterns’ landscape and way of life..
