Arts for Social Change
in partnership with the Third Sector Renewables charity
This 12-month community-led nature programme commenced in late January 2026. We are focusing our efforts across Hillfields, Foleshill and Willenhall. Our activities are also centred around the River Sherbourne, nearby parks, and various community hubs.
Throughout the year, we will deliver a series of nature connections and practical action events. Our key activities include:
- Monthly nature walks and stewardship days, featuring short, welcoming routes that are step-free where possible.
- River and park litter picks, plus small habitat improvements.
- Installing pocket rewilding and pollinator planters.
- Supporting “adopt-a-planter” care groups to maintain local greening efforts.
- Family-friendly outdoor learning i.e. mini-safaris, bug counts, seed swaps, and eco-crafts.
- Supporting wildlife-friendly allotment features through simple habitat additions.
- Small pick-up, repair, and re-use pop-ups to help reduce waste.
One of the most valuable aspects of the project has been spending time with local communities and listening to their experiences.
Recent conversations with members of the Inini community highlighted how important it is to create welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong. Many participants spoke about feeling disconnected or excluded, and these discussions have inspired new ideas for activities that foster connection, confidence and a stronger sense of place.
By working alongside communities rather than for them, Neighbourhood Nature Coventry aims to ensure that local voices remain at the heart of the programme.
To also ensure participation is realistic, our activities can include:
- BSL interpretation and translated materials (contact us if required).
- Routes planned close to bus stops.
- Practical enablers where needed, including transport support and childcare bursaries.
We're looking forward to an exciting programme of activities over the coming months.
In late August, residents will have the opportunity to take part in a community conservation day along the river. This hands-on activity will bring people together to care for local green spaces while learning more about the ecosystems that support Coventry's biodiversity.
Future sessions may include willow weaving, fruit tree planting and other practical projects that leave a lasting benefit for both people and wildlife. These activities offer opportunities to learn new skills, spend time outdoors and contribute to the local environment.
Stories, memories and connections to place will take centre stage at the River Festival. This community gathering will celebrate the role of the river in local life while creating opportunities for residents to share experiences and build new relationships.
We're also exploring ways for community participants to showcase their involvement and share their stories as part of the wider Coventry Cathedral Festival programme.
Later in the year, we look forward to welcoming participants to a special session with Mothers Who Make, creating space for mothers and caregivers to connect through creativity, conversation and mutual support.
As the programme continues to grow, we hope to welcome even more residents, community groups, artists, environmental practitioners and volunteers into the conversation. Together, we're exploring how local action, creativity and care for the environment can help build stronger, more resilient communities.
We look forward to sharing more updates as the project develops and to celebrating the stories, ideas and achievements that emerge along the way.
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We are using Places by EcoGPX® as a "living map" to document our progress. This free to download app (Apple/Google) allows participants to log location-based media, creating a digital legacy of the local environmental improvements we achieve together.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All) for making this programme possible via the Third Sector Renewables charity. Their generous support allows us to bring these vital environmental and community improvements to life.
Please donate to Intercultural Roots so that we can continue to support the ecology of charities we work with to benefit social and environmental goals. You can donate here or contact us if you would like to discuss leaving a legacy or making a corporate ESG or CSR donation with Gift Aid benefits.
