Stepping Stones to Nature (SS2N) and Blue Sound A journey to reconnect Plymouth people with the natural environment: green and blue

Aims To support people and organisations to build confidence, to use, care for and incorporate the natural environment in their daily experiences. By the end of 4 years, we aimed to demonstrate: More people using the natural spaces independently for health, education, leisure More knowledge about the natural environment – green and marine More people aware of where to go and what to do and where they can find out information Improvement of at least 7 natural spaces Change in working practices – linking more professional organisations with local natural spaces for work More volunteers taking an active role to care for a space beyond the life of the projects

Key achievements 12,000 people attending events and activities Access to 7 nature reserves improved including 15 kilometres of footpaths Provision of regular volunteering on 11 coastal sites 600 volunteer days contributing to improvements 60 partner organisations involved in the delivery including 20 schools Development of new resources such as beach guides, snorkel safari guides, walking routes, teaching packs £325k additional funding secured

Putting local people at the heart – creating a connection Journey of engagement: Range of activities on site, targeted at local people Working with local partner organisations Creative consultation

Case study: Kinterbury Creek

Putting local people at the heart – caring and understanding Working with family centres, schools and youth groups Providing information and building skills Bringing people together to create Action Groups

Case Study: Southway Valley Community Orchard

Putting local people at the heart – influencing and decision making Developing spaces into community assets Simple improvements led by local people and volunteers Ensuring good quality Supporting community management Creating spaces that meet multiple needs for nature, culture, learning and health

Case Study: Ham Woods (show film)

Putting local people at the heart – building civic pride Focus on local spaces for local people Promoting activities locally and city wide Creating a ‘buzz’ through various media Linking in with high profile events like Blue Mile / Plymouth’s Water festival

What have we learnt? Working in areas of wider regeneration helps Capital works are a good hook – simple and quality Need for skilled facilitators to provide opportunities to build confidence and provide experiences Building partnerships is key to sustainability The broader social/cultural impact of our projects Communities and natural environments are alive

What’s the future? Using the learning to influence new GI projects Working cooperatively building on existing and creating new partnerships Securing funding and continuing to support development and use of neighbourhood spaces Creating more opportunities for community involvement and long term management Using media to share good news, raise the profile and build aspirations and momentum