At the start of March this year, we launched our Nature Pledge initiative to encourage residents to make small changes for nature. These simple steps can help nature thrive right on our doorstep, while also creating vital nature corridors across the Chelmsford district.

Supporting local biodiversity means helping birds, butterflies, mammals, bees, and all the incredible species we are fortunate to share our ecosystem with. Biodiversity continues to decline across the country, but if individuals start to think about their impact and how they can make a difference, we could begin to see positive change.

There are ten pledges to choose from. You can select a single pledge and focus your efforts on one area, or you may choose several pledges that work well together. For example, you could build a bug hotel, big or small, and plant wildflower seeds nearby to encourage insects into the area. We know that not everyone has a garden or large green space to adapt, but even small changes can make a big difference.

If your outdoor space is limited to a windowsill or a hanging basket, these can still be used to grow herbs or plant nectar-rich flowers to support pollinators. Our aim is to build a connected landscape for Chelmsford’s wildlife, giving nature as many opportunities as possible to pollinate, feed, and reproduce as it moves around the city.

Pledges can also become a group activity. If you and your neighbours or community group join forces to pledge for nature, you can make an even greater impact together. Creating hedgehog highways or pollinator-friendly patches helps form the nature corridors species need to find additional food and shelter.

Volunteering for nature has also been made easier through our current volunteering opportunities. Our garden and conservation volunteers have formed communities of people who care deeply for nature and love Chelmsford, and their work supporting Chelmsford City Parks has been invaluable.

Love Your Chelmsford also offers business volunteering, allowing you and your colleagues to sign up for a session together and complete a nature pledge as a team.

Later this year, our brand-new Adopt a Tree scheme will be launched. Look out for a tree near you that has been tagged by us and needs extra water support during the warm, dry months. By ‘adopting’ a tree, you can water it using leftover bath water or collected rainwater, helping to reduce water waste while ensuring the tree has enough water to grow and thrive. Keep an eye on our social media channels and our News and Stories page for more information.

Whether you choose to grow your own food, build a small pond in your garden, or give your time to nature, every pledge is valuable. By taking part, you will be supporting nature on your doorstep, helping it to thrive, and making a real difference.