Join Space for Nature by completing this form (this will open another browser window) - and we will get in touch with your:
- Free advice and support on protecting biodiversity in your backyard
- Free workshops
- A free native plant
- A Rat trapping tunnel
- A letterbox sign to share the message and encourage neighbours to sign up.
What is Space for Nature?
Space for Nature is an initiative to celebrate and support urban residents, education providers, community organisations and businesses who are protecting biodiversity in their backyards, and to encourage others to do the same.
This project is facilitated by Envirohub Bay of Plenty, and supports our aspirations for a National Park Region, a movement towards a greener, wilder, healthier and more resilient Waiariki Park Region.
Even if you have a small garden or limited space, there is still plenty you can do to give wildlife a safe place to live.
In exchange for a pledge to provide safe habitat for wildlife in their gardens, participants receive a sign for their gate or letterbox, which acknowledges their commitment and hopefully inspires others in the neighbourhood to get on board. We can provide advice and resources; and connect you with initiatives in your area.
After resources to get started - Check out our Member Resource book or Additional Resources
Check out our little video with an introduction to Space for Nature.
Why make Space for Nature?
Private gardens and school grounds make up a large area of many towns and cities and have potential to be green spaces that support natural biodiversity of plants and animals. How supportive a garden is for biodiversity depends on a range of factors including types and coverage of vegetation, what you do in your garden, and features of the wider neighbourhood. Every square metre of nature and every tree provides ecosystem functions - including non native or edible species which might provide food, nectar for us, birds and important pollinating insects.
There is a lot that individuals can do in their own backyards to contribute which can be easy and low cost. Some of the benefits of being involved include:
- Contributing to increased tree canopy coverage in urban areas, which results in more habitat for wildlife, cooler temperatures and beautiful green spaces;
- Increased birdlife, lizards and insects;
- Increase in pollinators for food growing;
- Encouragement to observe and connect with nature to improve your wellbeing
- Reduced predators resulting in an increase in wildlife;
- Opportunity to connect with and support restoration activities happening in your neighbourhood;
- Join a network of kaitiaki (caretakers) taking action to care for their surrounding environment.
Let's do this!
Who can join?
We are starting in the Western Bay of Plenty urban areas. If you are outside this area; please still get in touch and we will add you to our contact list when the project rolls out to other areas.
We are inviting urban residents, schools and education providers, businesses and community organisations to come on board.
For education providers and businesses we can provide you with a framed certificate for your office; a shout out via our social media; and talk about how else we can support you on your Space for Nature journey.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to funding from Bay Trust and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Space for Nature is free for urban residents and schools. If you feel called to, a donation to Envirohub to develop and grow the programme would be much appreciated. For businesses, a suggested koha of $40 would be much appreciated!
Find out more!
To find out more you can contact us via email on wpr@envirohub.org.nz or phoning our office at 31B Glasgow Street, Tauranga on 07) 578 6664
We'd love to hear how you are getting on, make sure you follow us on social media via the links below:
Facebook Page
Instagram Page
