We are passionate about inspiring our supporters and the public to care for the precious natural habitats around them and arrange a variety of activities each year to give people the opportunity to get involved with our work.
Here are a few of the highlights from 2021/22.
Originally launched during lockdown to reach as many people as possible safely and give them the opportunity to connect with nature, our digital event series proved even more popular this year.
Fall into nature ran in October 2021 and attracted 1,736 participants, while Spring into action followed in February with 2,548 people taking part.
Made up of talks and interactive events held over two weeks, the varied programmes were designed to inspire attendees to take action for themselves and offered something for everyone. Topics included learning how to identify plants, exploring our relationship with the environment through language and finding out more about the habitats which Plantlife strives to protect and restore.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with comments from participants including:
These webinars have been put together really well and are inspiring. The professionals have really good communication skills and kept me really engaged.
A great intro to temperate rainforest plants that has made me more confident to go and start learning more myself.
Easily the best webinar I have attended in a long time – fantastic all round. I’ll certainly be looking to attend future events by Plantlife.
More than 200 people joined our Members’ Day 2021, which took place on 25 September. A range of speakers gave presentations, including Plantlife Chairman Prof David Hill CBE, Chief Executive Ian Dunn, President Philip Mould OBE and Alastair Moralee, Plantlife’s Head of Important Plant Areas and Advice.
We were also joined by partner organisations for a panel discussion exploring the future of nature conservation.
Participants were asked which elements they enjoyed the most, and told us:
The range of interesting talks. I liked the variety and the different angles, such as rural and urban and small scale and larger scale.
I enjoyed the presentations about future conservation, but overall it was good to hear more about the variety of different projects run by Plantlife. The quiz was great fun, and well-run.
Philip Mould's talk! (Sorry everyone else – you were brilliant and informative and inspiring, but Philip's different approach really resonated with me.)
We encouraged people across the country to take a very simple step to help wild flowers and struggling pollinators by putting their lawnmowers away during No Mow May – with 2,688 people answering the call.
The initiative ran alongside Every Flower Counts, which encourages people to survey their gardens at the end of No Mow May and again during July to provide a snapshot health check of our lawns. A total of 3,685 surveys were submitted during 2021/22.
People who took part were asked what they found most satisfying about the project. They said:
I already spend much time outdoors, and like the feeling of doing something helpful for nature and our understanding of it.
Understanding that the small differences individual households make adds up. That's powerful.
I feel more connected to other people who are growing wild gardens. Neighbours aren't always supportive and think gardens should be tidy.
Getting the rest of the street to leave their verges uncut for No Mow May.
Image credits: Header image & image 3 - Archie Thomas, image 4 - Adrian Penrose
