Project to bring wildlife closer to city people

Project to bring wildlife closer to city peopleJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleClara BullockWest of EnglandWildlife and WellbeingThe events aim to bring city people closer to natureA programme bringing wildlife closer to people living in the city has received National Lottery funding.Wildlife and Wellbeing, based in Salisbury, has secured £5,000 in funding to offer events in green spaces close to the city centre in 2026 and 2027 to improve people's wellbeing.The events will include bat nights, fungi and birdsong events and a summer solstice celebration, in the hopes of highlighting Salisbury's rich natural environment.Polly Whyte, the project lead, said: "There are lovely green spaces in Salisbury and river walks as well where people can go out and connect with nature, which is really good for our wellbeing."More from WiltshireCancer survivor's charity walk for mammogram machineLake 'plagued by drinking youths' and 'drivers speeding outside school'Shopkeeper raising £160,000 after cancer diagnosisResearch from Natural England in 2025 showed while most people recognised the positive impact of nature on happiness, only about half felt strongly connected to it. Whyte said: "A lot of people maybe aren't making the most of what nature can offer them."Go out with a bat detector and listen to the noises bat makes, or a summer solstice celebration to watch the sunset and notice what wildlife is around at twilight."Whyte said the project will continue to look for funding to be able to offer the events beyond 2027.Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.More on this story'Lifeline' animal therapy farm saved as new venue foundUrgent action to save birds 'that define Britain'Town creates bug hotel inspired by stately homeRelated internet linksWildlife and WellbeingMental healthSalisburyHealthNatureEnviro...