If you’re ground down by hearing about dwindling nature habitats, water and air pollution, and rising global temperatures, a Stroud-based charity has a suggestion that will give you a boost, at the same time as supporting local people and helping nature to thrive.
Stroud Valleys Project (SVP) has launched a crowdfunder – Little Acorns, Mighty Oaks – in partnership with Spacehive to continue and extend some of its most impactful community projects for nature, and it’s asking residents across Stroud District to donate £2, £5 or more to help them hit their target.
Little Acorns, Mighty Oaks already raised £13,992 thanks to the support of 167 backers, and SVP needs to raise another £3,358 by Tuesday 24 March so they don’t forfeit the £8,000 pledged by Stroud District Council.
Pic:Richard Lewis
Losing our connection to nature
Research shows that 83% of children today can’t identify a Bumblebee, and around a quarter didn’t recognise a Robin, a Badger or a Horse Chestnut; what’s more, nearly three quarters of children spend less time outdoors than many prisoners.
Lack of time spent in nature has been shown to have a negative impact on adult mental health.
The team at SVP hope their crowdfunder will help rekindle the links between nature and people.
A joined-up approach to nature learning
Fun, lively children’s sessions spark joy and inspire curiosity, encouraging youngsters to feel they’re part of the wider world; the ‘Little Acorns’ of the appeal’s title.
Through SVP’s Creative Shed and Wild Shed projects, Mighty Oaks supports adults with a range of needs and abilities to take part in team activities such as making wildlife homes and planting and caring for trees and hedgerow.
Meeting a genuine local need
The charity is asking people to pledge what they can afford. If they don’t hit the Spacehive target, SVP’s Creative Shed and Minibeasties sessions will finish when the funding for them runs out… and SVP won’t be able to reach out to more people of all ages across Stroud.
“The news is pretty bleak at the moment,” says SVP’s CEO Clare Mahdiyone.
“So we’re asking people to do something amazing that will make a huge difference right here in Stroud, with a knock-on effect that will help nature and our planet, too!”
To donate, please visit Little Acorns, Mighty Oaks – Spacehive
