We were delighted to host the official launch of Championing Nature, a new programme aimed at creating positive, lasting impact in communities through greater connections and engagement with nature. The initiative will be delivered by four Wildlife Trusts across England and is made possible by The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Emirates partnership.
The day saw us welcome guests from Emirates, the four Wildlife Trusts and programme ambassador Steve Backshall MBE, who joined pupils from local primary school St John Fisher, to talk to them about the remarkable benefits a connection to nature and the outdoors brings. The children took part in a fun tennis clinic on the grass courts with our coaching team, made and decorated bug hotels in a craft workshop, then joined Steve on a nature walk to explore the fascinating wildlife areas that were established as part of the development of the Centre to achieve a net gain in biodiversity across the site.
Steve , who is renowned for his lifelong passion and commitment to nature, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable benefits that a closer connection to nature and the outdoors can provide. The Championing Nature programme is a great opportunity to encourage children, young people and families living in urban environments to discover and explore the green spaces around them.
The multi-million-pound programme will be delivered by four Wildlife Trusts: the London Wildlife Trust; Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust; the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside; and Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
During the next six years, these Wildlife Trusts will each receive investment from The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Emirates to fund bespoke projects and initiatives in their local urban areas, with a particular focus on bringing disadvantaged children, young people aged 16-24, and families closer to nature, and creating a lasting infrastructure legacy for the benefit of future generations.
Deborah Jevans CBE, Chair of the All England Club, said: “Wimbledon is known for its ‘tennis in an English garden’ setting and our focus on horticulture and biodiversity around our Grounds is part of what makes The Championships so special. We believe that the All England Club has a meaningful role to play in achieving a positive environmental impact, but we know this is not achievable on our own. That’s why we are delighted to be working in partnership with Emirates and four Wildlife Trusts on Championing Nature, a programme that demonstrates our shared commitment to connect people across the country with nature and to protect our natural world.”
Click here to view the full story on Wimbledon.com
