Team Wilder story: Binfield Environment Group
Lily O'Neill, Community Networking Officer, meets Binfield Environment Group to find out how they're helping nature in their local area
Imagine a wilder world on your doorstep, with more nature everywhere, for everyone, in urban and rural areas. That’s why the Binfield Environment Group (BEG) is working to make more space for nature and people in their local area. Lily finds out more from Mike Coker, a member of the group.
BEG were formed in 2005 by Binfield Parish Council. Our first event was planting a hedgerow.
BEG was re-launched in 2017 and our aim is to make Binfield a better place for nature and to help more people enjoy that nature. We continue to work closely with Binfield Parish Council, Bracknell Forest Council and other members of the Bracknell Forest Nature Partnership.
What does BEG do?
We run regular events throughout the year, to which all members of the community are welcome. In an average year, these events include: approximately six practical conservation work parties; two litter-picks; a couple of led walks; and a guerrilla planting event. We also carry out monthly surveys at six of the parish’s green-spaces.
What challenges has the group faced and have you found solutions?
The main challenges that we have faced are:
- Engaging effectively with other community groups. One success is the establishment of a Binfield Women's Institute Environment Group which meets monthly to survey and look after one of the parish's green-spaces. We have also just started to work with our local churches on an EcoChurch project.
- We continue to struggle to make sure that developers and other local stakeholders deliver on their promises for Binfield's nature. One success in this area was running a work party with people from a local company. We are currently organising an event for another local company later in the year.
- Our capacity is limited by the small proportion of our members who are willing to organise and lead events.
Keen to join a community group in your area?
See what is up and running nearby on our Community Groups map.
Would you like help running a community group?
We've got plenty of resources to help you from our toolkit filled with free resources, our monthly online networking sessions and our friendly Facebook group. Find out more via the link below.