Save our Rivers (Inclusive & Educational River-Based Activities for Families to Improve Wellbeing)

The Pitch

Problem statement

Deprivation: Deprivation is a key factor limiting access to nature; we aim to connect people in highly deprived areas, such as Slough, Hillingdon, and parts of South Bucks (situated in the top 20% most deprived wards nationally), with their local environment. Mental wellbeing: Mental health outcomes for children have worsened due to the pandemic, leading to increased social isolation and loneliness. Low levels of environmental awareness: Despite the abundance of nature on their doorstep, many local residents do not engage with this wonderful asset. We aim to inspire a passion for the environment, and inspire the next generation to be champions of our (severely under threat) river network.

Solution

Nature-based activities aimed at YP & families, teaching people about the importance of protecting the river network for the future, aiming to overcome barriers to access and offering fun, engaging activities that promote our rivers to enhance community connections/improve wellbeing: River storytelling: Our amazing storyteller explains the wonders of our rivers, the dangers they face, and action to save them River dipping & pond making: YP will discover amazing wildlife through river dipping, and use recycled materials to create their own ponds. Family volunteering: Sessions focused on surveying river health Tour of Denham waterbodies:A guided walk to teach people about local waterbodies

Why are we best placed to deliver?

GS has 40 years’ experience driving social/environmental regeneration, working to improve outcomes in highly deprived areas. As co-hosts of the Colne catchment, we have extensive experience in connecting local residents with their local environment, stimulating community engagement in conservation initiatives. We’ve been running the Colne Valley festival for many years, which has proved very successful in showcasing the Colne Valley Regional Park and all it has to offer. We also have well-established links enabling us to have a wide reach, including supporting people living in deprived areas get involved in nature (e.g.Hillingdon Families website, Bucks Families website, and local councils)

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

100 people

Expected impact

The project will facilitate the following outcomes:-A resilient and connected environment: Aiming to promote the conservation/protection of our natural environment, instilling a passion & care for the rivers and their wildlife among the next generation.-Overcoming barriers to access: Our project tackles barriers to access, such as deprivation, including connecting disadvantaged families (e.g. from highly deprived neighbourhoods of Hillingdon/Slough) with nature. Moreover, our rivers continue to be underappreciated; only 20% of overall visits to the environment are to blue spaces. -Increased environmental awareness: Educating families about the importance of our rivers, and helping to foster a love of nature and the environment.-Water for wellbeing and enjoyment: We’ll provide fun and exciting activities focused on our rivers to improve wellbeing, providing an opportunity for children to socialise and make friends, while strengthening familial and community bonds.

Track record

We received some great feedback from our beneficiaries who attended events at the Colne Valley festival last year, including: “My son and I attended the River Dipping and Pond Making…and the Storytelling event…It was such a simple and clever way to make our own pond- it’s now in our back garden and we’ll keep a close eye on the wildlife we attract. The river dipping was very enjoyable…the storyteller was fantastic” “Fantastic and very informative walk, there’s always something different to see on this stretch” “I have walked this area many times but didn’t know much about it. So thank you Fiona for such a very informative guided walk” “So pleased I joined this walk today…it’s so much better with an informative guide. Thank you to Fiona, and to Paul, for sharing your knowledge. What a lovely way to spend a morning!”

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