Join Chelmsford in making a big difference through small actions!

This year, we are inviting residents to make Nature Pledges – simple steps that help nature thrive right on your doorstep.

Every little action matters. Together, these small changes can create a huge impact for wildlife locally by building up nature corridors across the wider Chelmsford area.

Throughout this year we will be adding hints and tips for you to try out, in supporting your nature pledge! There are no deadlines – you can come back again and again.

Why your pledge matters

In 2019 Chelmsford City Council declared a climate emergency. Since then, we’ve been changing the way we manage land to support biodiversity. But we can’t do it alone – we need your help.

The headlines

  • Insects in crises: Bugslife reported a 59% drop in insect numbers over the last 5 years (Bugslife, Nov 2025), despite a hot summer.
  • Record-breaking weather: 2025 was the ‘UK’s warmest and sunniest year on record’ (Met Office).
  • Bird numbers plummet: The RSPB revealed we’ve lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years (RSBP).
  • Butterflies struggling: despite slight improvements from 2024’s record lows, long-term decline continues (Butterfly Conservation Trust).
  • Biodiversity continues to decline (BBC).

 

With headlines like these, it’s understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed. That’s why we’re focusing on micro actions – small simple steps you can take from home to make a real difference for nature.

Introduction to pledging – What can I pledge?

There are 10 pledges listed. Choose the one that fits your space, time and interest – start small or go big, and return anytime to add more pledges.

Once you’re ready, use our pledge form to register your pledge. You can take part individually or with friends and family. Got great neighbours? Use your pledges to create a nature corridor on your street!

Every pledge makes a difference. When lots of us take small actions, we help build a more connected landscape for Chelmsford’s wildlife.

 

The pledges:

Select any pledge below to discover more. These will be updated regularly during the year, including links related to news and stories. If you have a question about a pledge, please use the contact us link at the end of the page.

Volunteer for nature

Volunteering is a great way to help nature and learn about your local spaces. Whether you enjoy practical outdoor tasks or prefer citizen science, there’s something for everyone. You can try out a variety of projects or take part on a regular weekly, monthly or seasonal basis.  

Here are a few opportunities to get you started: 

  • Volunteer with Chelmsford City Parks (link below). 
Volunteer with us

Feed the birds

Birds rely heavily on natural food sources throughout the year, and even more so when raising chicks. You can help by creating bird friendly spaces, providing a variety of food options:  

  • Keep berry and fruiting plants like rowan, apple trees, wild roses, holly and ivy 
  • Plant seed producing plants such as sunflowers and teasels. 
  • Leave seed heads intact after flowering, to provide food well into winter.  
  • Boost insect life by allowing some grass to grow long and keeping leaf piles – perfect for insects and excellent for birds that feed on them.  
  • Use bird feeders, keeping them clean and topped up. Shop-bought, homemade, and even window feeders all work well. 

 Useful links: 

Create a hedgehog highway

The hedgehog is one of Britain’s most cherished mammals. They can roam 1-2 Kilometres a night, but many are still struggling to get around our gardens and streets. Here’s how you can help: 

  • Team up for a hedgehog highway. If you have a garden, chat with your neighbours about adding small fence holes so hedgehogs can move safely between spaces. Who knows – you might even start a new trend on your street! 
  • Grow and look after hedges. It’s in the name! Hedges offer shelter, food and safe routes.  

Useful links:  

Go pesticide free

The continued use of pesticides has been shown to reduce insect numbers. Most products don’t just target just one species – for example a spray meant to remove aphids can also harm bees and butterflies visiting the same plants. 

Pledge to switch out your pesticides and embrace nature. Aphids provide food for ladybirds, and even some birds, helping to support a healthy ecosystem. Plus, you’ll save money not buying chemicals! 

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a great guide for controlling pests and diseases without chemicals. 

Create a bug hotel

More bugs mean more biodiversity. No matter how big or small your outdoor space is, you can still create a bug hotel. Try leaving part of a widow box filled with leaves and twigs, make a small log pile, or build a simple structure using natural materials.  

Check out our ‘Make and Do’ activities for step-by-step guides on building your own bug hotel. 

Want to learn more? Visit Buglife to discover why minibeasts matter. 

Make a bug hotel

Plant for pollinators

Bees are important for pollination of flowers, and your garden can be a brilliant home for them as well as pollinators like hoverflies, butterflies, and ladybirds.  

While not all flowers benefit pollinators, open flowers where you can see the pollen are usually the best for helping insects reach nectar.  

Good plants to try include are: crocus, crab apple, snapdragon, wallflower, forget-me-not, salvia, strawberry tree, dahlia.  

If you have space, you could also create a mini flower meadow.  

Plant more trees

Trees are incredible! The clean our air, store carbon, improve soil, and provide habitat for countless species.  

The tree planting season runs from November to March, (with November preferred), but many trees can be kept potted, to restrict growth to your space and care for all year round.   Keep an eye out for our tree giveaway for residents later in the year (normally open around September/October). 

Useful links: 

Free Trees for Schools and Communities – Woodland Trust 

Greening Chelmsford

Water for Wildlife

Water is vital for every living creature. By offering fresh water or creating a simple water feature, you can help support a variety of wildlife.  

An odd bowl or some pond liner sunk into the ground works brilliantly for frogs, insects, and as drinking and bathing water for birds, and small mammals.  

Surround it with pebbles and a few flowers to give bees and butterflies both a rest point and nectar. Add something for an escape route for small reptiles and mammals so they don’t get trapped.  

Useful links:  

Grow your own food

Growing your own food reduces emissions, cuts packaging, and gives you fresh produce. 

Beginners can start small with herbs or easy crops like lettuce in a window box.   Kew Gardens has great windowsill-growing guidance, and the RHS provides plenty of expert tips.  

Ready for more – you can find out about our allotments.

Allotments

Adopt a tree (coming later this year)

Later this year. We’ll be sharing details on how you can take part in our brand new Adopt a Tree scheme. 

With hotter summers, young trees take longer to establish, and even mature trees can struggle with reduced rainfall. We’ll be adding tags to selected trees and inviting residents to “adopt” them by helping with watering. You can use collected rainwater or leftover bath water, helping to reduce water waste at the same time.  

More information to come later this year! 

 

Already doing some fantastic things for nature? You can still make a pledge to continue the actions you’re already taking.

Ready for more? – you can pledge again, expand your pledge or pick a new one!

I made a pledge, so what now?

You’ve chosen to make a pledge – brilliant!

Why not capture your journey from the start?  by creating your own log with photos and notes to see how your efforts are helping nature over time. To help, we have created a pledge planner and nature survey sheets you can download here.

We’ll be sharing regular tips and ideas throughout the year, and you can follow along via the links under each pledge or by joining our Love Your Chelmsford social media community (Facebook / Instagram).

And remember there is no such thing as a failed pledge. If something doesn’t work out, you can always adapt it, try again or choose a new one. You might even inspire friends, family or neighbours to join in – together, your street could become a thriving nature corridor!

If you can’t find the answer to something here, we’re always happy to help.

We would love to hear about the great things you’re doing!

You can tell us all about how your pledge is going on Love Your Chelmsford Facebook or Instagram, or contact us here using the general enquiries section. We might even make a feature your story or show them on social media pages.

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Love Your Chelmsford
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