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Agenda item

Scrutiny Review - Cleaner, Greener, Inclusive Streets - Witness Evidence

-        Evidence on Nature Neighbourhoods (Octopus Community Network)

 

Minutes:

The committee received a presentation from the Octopus network group on their nature neighbourhoods project.

 

A network of 14 large multi-purpose community centres in Islington, which had been running an urban growing programme for around 14 years, participated in the Nature Neighbourhoods project. This initiative, coordinated by the RSPB, National Trust, and WWF, involved 18 community groups, with Islington being the only participating area in London. The project emerged from the People’s Plan for Nature, which advocated for greater community involvement in nature conservation and decision-making. In Islington, the focus was placed on Tufnell Park, a neighbourhood identified as deficient in access to nature and facing high levels of economic deprivation.

 

The project began with a walk and talk event in February, where residents, local organisations, and council representatives explored existing green spaces and areas for potential improvement. Participants used an approach called photo voice, capturing images of local nature and spaces they felt could benefit from greening initiatives. This event generated discussions about how public spaces could be better utilised for nature conservation and made residents think differently about their local environment.

 

Following the walk, a series of six community conversations were held, focusing on themes from the People’s Plan for Nature, such as the need for nature to be accessible on people's doorsteps, not just as a destination. Key topics discussed included the importance of local organisations (referred to as "anchors") that could help sustain greening projects in the long term, and the need to capture the history of local green spaces. Participants also raised concerns about the lack of diversity in the green sector and expressed interest in creating pathways for young people, especially those from Islington, to pursue careers in this field.

 

The outcomes from these discussions are now being used to develop a framework for the Nature Neighbourhoods project, which will guide future community efforts to integrate nature into urban spaces. This framework will be based on the core themes of the People’s Plan for Nature and aims to create a lasting impact on the local environment, ensuring that nature is a visible and accessible part of everyday life in Islington.

 

The conversation cantered on the challenges and strategies involved in engaging local communities in the development and use of green spaces, particularly in areas like Islington. One of the main issues raised was the perception of green spaces on estates, where historical restrictions (such as signs forbidding sitting or playing on the grass) had created a mindset that these spaces were not for community use. A key example shared was of a young mother who faced abuse for simply sitting on the grass with her baby, highlighting the lingering negative attitudes towards public green spaces.

 

Another challenge discussed was the potential for antisocial behaviour, particularly on estates like Tufnell Park. However, it was noted that consistent presence and engagement from community groups, such as the community plant nursery, helped to mitigate these issues. These groups, built trust with local youth and residents, demonstrating that ongoing involvement led to positive outcomes in terms of safety and engagement.

 

Regarding future steps, it was confirmed that the community conversations were just the beginning, with more planned to ensure wider engagement, particularly with underrepresented groups. A volunteer from the community had been recruited to help create an engagement plan and connect with other local organisations to broaden the project's reach. The project was set to continue until next September, with efforts focused on refining a framework for what a "nature neighbourhood" could look like, incorporating ideas generated from the community.

 

The conversation also explored ideas for fostering community campaigns and reclaiming green spaces, with suggestions to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including private housing authorities. The importance of anchor organisations, such as the community plant nursery, as these groups provided stability and continuity. Additionally, learning from other cities like Manchester and Birmingham, where community-led initiatives had been successful, was mentioned as an important part of shaping future efforts in Islington.

 

Supporting documents: