Boosting biodiversity
Biodiversity is a term that describes the variety of life in a given area. Loss of habitat and climate change have led to a reduction in biodiversity and the U.K. is one of the least biodiverse countries globally. However the loss can be halted and even reversed. NESST helps to increase the numbers of street trees and is active in finding green and brown spaces in our area where we can boost biodiversity, with projects such as wildflower meadows and hedges, and habitat initiatives such as nest boxes for house sparrows and swifts.
Current Projects
3 Projects in Chelsea Park
A wildflower meadow, native hedge and nectar garden
House Sparrow Initiative
We have mapped sparrow colonies in our area and with the support of Magic Little Grants we are now offering nest boxes for sale and have advice and information about how people can help them
S7 Swifts
A project to increase the habitat for swifts in the S7 area
Funding additional street trees in the NESST area
NESST works to increase the number of street trees in the NESST area by helping residents fund their own and through other funding initiatives, including the Urban Tree Challenge Fund.
Past Projects
Elms and Hairstreaks
NESST is proud to be playing our part in bringing back the elm to the UK. Importantly, the concentration of DED resistant elms will provide fantastic future habitat for the White Letter Hairstreak butterfly, which features in the NESST logo.
Greening the Grey Streets
A project to have street trees with all their benefits in the canopy deprived area of Highfield and Lowfield. We successfully raised over £23,000 with the Aviva WildIsles Crowdfunder, who generously matched a donation by £2 for every £1 donated, meaning 24 trees were planted late 2023/early 2024.
Buckthorn for Brimstone
A project to increase the local Brimstone butterfly population by inviting people to plant the butterfly’s larval host plant, Common Buckthorn.