We are working with partners across the city on this new project to help nature and the climate in Cambridge. Our role is to engage local residents in creative opportunities that encourage nature connectedness and support health and well-being, with a focus on those groups who can benefit most.
City Council tree specialists Matt McGrath and Kenny McGregor led us around Sheep’s Green last November, introducing us to the veteran trees they care for and learn from there. Seeing these magnificent local trees with fresh eyes and a greater understanding of how they support biodiversity has been moving for us all.
Just this week we’ve introduced a small group of girls supported by Abbey People to the Fellows’ Garden of King’s College and walked out from the Addenbrooke’s site with a group of staff, volunteers and colleagues to explore the natural world on the doorstep. Mycelium researcher Dr Jen McGaley has joined us for both these, inviting people to think more deeply about the magical underground canopy that her work makes visible so beautifully. City Council ecologist Guy Belcher and local ornithologist John Meed joined us too, generously sharing their knowledge of chalk streams, veteran trees and grey partridge.
Being together like this made me feel safe, nurtured and content.
Addenbrooke's volunteer
Threads of work with these and other groups across the city will come together in the city-wide celebration of community imagination in front of King’s College in March: What would nature do? is an Imaginarium Takeover that we are producing with Cambridge Carbon Footprint and artist Hilary Cox Condron.