Awarded in late 2024, this grant supported the delivery of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s free annual family event “Country Comes to Town,” which was held in Chippenham for the first time on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Led by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT), the event engaged the local community with nature through a host of outdoor activities suitable for all ages. The Trust’s experienced education and well-being teams delivered workshops and demonstrations designed to show how connecting with nature can improve physical and mental health, while providing practical tools and information for visitors to continue their engagement with the natural world.
The event aligned with WWT’s core goals of securing nature’s recovery, enabling people to take action for the environment, and championing a sustainable future. Research shows that if just one quarter of Chippenham’s population took action for nature, it could significantly impact local green spaces and wildlife protection.
Country Comes to Town showcased the variety of habitats and species found on local free-to-access nature reserves, while also connecting visitors with local environmental groups such as the Early Earth Protectors and the Tiny Forest Project. The event responds directly to concerns raised in the Trust’s recent youth manifesto about climate change, equipping participants with knowledge and introducing them to supportive adults and groups.
