The collaboration represents the first of its kind for the Trust, uniting the expertise of the Trust’s team with a housing association to create a greener, wilder future for the local community.
The partnership's key goals include showcasing and championing the environment, visibly enhancing the estate's green spaces, and generating increased awareness of the natural environment. Through this initiative, the Trust aims to encourage and inspire Abri employees, customers, and suppliers to take action for wildlife, ultimately contributing to the creation of a Wilder Mansbridge.
Over the next 18 months, the Trust’s Team Wilder Community Engagement Officer for Southampton will work closely with Abri colleagues, customers, community groups, and the local school to identify projects and ideas to create more space for nature to thrive and build opportunities for customers to connect.
Jill Doubleday, Team Wilder Community Engagement Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said:
"This partnership is an exciting opportunity to connect people with nature and empower the Mansbridge community to take meaningful action for wildlife. By working together, we can create vibrant green spaces that support both people and the environment, fostering a sense of pride and stewardship within the community.
“We hope this partnership will set a new standard for integrating a love for wildlife and local green spaces within the housing system. Our goal is for this initiative to be a success that can be replicated, serving as a blueprint for future environmental initiatives and deeply embedding environmental stewardship into the fabric of our communities.”
