
Mobilising people power
12-02-2025
Get started with...
Case study
Guidance
©National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor
12-02-2025
Get started with...
Case study
Guidance
©National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor
Community engagement is key to creating healthier parks and green spaces. It can take many different forms, but the key is to do it with people, not for people.
Because of its history of activism, Nottingham is often referred to as the ‘Rebel City’.
Inspired by this heritage, Nottingham City Council took a pioneering approach to community engagement through volunteering. Bringing environmental charities, local groups and passionate people together, the team created a city-wide volunteering force that makes Nottingham a greener, healthier, happier place to live.
The Nottingham Green Guardians programme enables people to play an active role in their community, improve the local environment and contribute to positive social change.
It supports local need and policy ambitions – from planting 50,000 trees to delivering the city’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2028.
Hear from the team at Nottingham County Council, as they reflect on what it means to be a modern-day ‘Rebel City’. Then take a look at our guide to make it happen near you.
Discover how the team at Nottingham City Council has created a city-wide force for good.
From habitat restoration to gardening, photography to tree planting, over 440 volunteers and community groups gave nearly 5,000 hours in 2023/2024 as part of the Nottingham Green Guardians.
When nature is nearer, everyone wins. And everyone can play their part. Here are four stepping stones to help you establish a scheme that works with your communities. Click below for a snapshot of each step, or download the full guide via the button on the right.
Visit the Nottingham Green Guardians website to see first-hand how they’re working with communities for the benefit of people and nature.
For more information about how the council is giving residents access to good quality green space now and in the future, read the Nottingham Green Guardians Volunteering Programme Strategy.
©National Trust Images/Paul Harris