Salisbury Post

Wildlife Project Receives Funding to Help Salisbury Residents Connect With Nature

A Salisbury-based project helping people discover local wildlife and improve their wellbeing has received National Lottery funding to expand its activities over the next two years.

Image:(The water meadows - Wildlife and Wellbeing)

Wildlife and Wellbeing has secured £5,000 in funding which will allow the organisation to host a series of nature-focused events in and around Salisbury throughout 2026 and 2027.

The programme aims to encourage more people living in urban areas to explore the city's natural environment and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors.

Planned activities include bat-watching evenings, fungi walks, birdsong events and a summer solstice celebration, all designed to help residents connect with nature in accessible green spaces close to the city centre.

Project lead Polly Whyte said Salisbury is fortunate to have a wealth of natural spaces that many people may not fully appreciate.

"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," she said.

The initiative comes as research continues to highlight the positive impact nature can have on mental health and overall wellbeing. A 2025 study by Natural England found that while most people recognise nature's benefits, only around half feel strongly connected to the natural world.

Ms Whyte hopes the events will help bridge that gap by giving people opportunities to experience wildlife first-hand.

"Go out with a bat detector and listen to the noises bats make, or join a summer solstice celebration to watch the sunset and notice what wildlife is around at twilight," she said.

The project will focus on making nature accessible to residents who may not regularly venture into the countryside, demonstrating that wildlife can often be found just a short walk from the city centre.

Organisers say they will continue seeking additional funding to ensure the programme can continue beyond 2027.

The funding is expected to support a range of community events over the coming months, giving residents the chance to discover more about Salisbury's wildlife while enjoying the health benefits of spending time outdoors.

For more information about upcoming events, residents are encouraged to follow Wildlife and Wellbeing's announcements throughout the year.