Kick-off meeting 11th March
Wilder Walkern Update
In early February, Walkern Parish Council delivered a leaflet to every home inviting residents to join Wilder Walkern, a community‑led nature recovery initiative. The response was great: over 80 residents came forward wanting to get involved. This enthusiasm shows just how much our village cares about protecting and restoring the natural world around us.
We are launching Wilder Walkern at a crucial moment. The UK is now one of the most nature‑depleted countries in the world. But there is real hope. Under the Environment Act 2021, every area of England must create a Local Nature Recovery Strategy—a plan that identifies where nature is thriving, where it needs help, and what actions will make the biggest difference. Hertfordshire’s strategy, developed by the County Council and local wildlife groups, makes one thing very clear: nature recovery cannot be delivered by councils and landowners alone. It needs communities. It needs people. It needs us.
That’s exactly where Wilder Walkern comes in.
We have already had discussions with and want to work closely with the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust through their Wilder Communities programme, which helps villages and towns become greener, wilder and healthier. Their message is simple: if just one in four people take action for nature, we can create real, lasting change.
A Lively First Community Meeting
People who responded to the leaflet were invited to attend an initial kick-off meeting. This took place on Wednesday 11th March at the WSCC. The aim of the meeting was to explore how we can protect, restore and celebrate nature across the parish. The atmosphere was upbeat, constructive and full of practical ideas. Key priorities for the next 12 months include:
- Caring for the ecology of public spaces
- Identifying areas that could be left to go wild
- Protecting and creating habitats
- Establishing a wildlife baseline and clear measures of progress
- Increasing biodiversity, wildflowers and visible wildlife
- Strengthening community pride, cohesion and wellbeing
Success by the end of the year would include a strong volunteer group, a completed wildlife survey and another well‑attended community meeting.
How You Can Get Involved
People were clear that everyone can play a part. Popular household actions include sowing wildflowers, installing bird and bat boxes, creating hedgehog‑friendly gardens, recording local wildlife and using more water butts. Community‑wide ideas included working with Walkern School, organising fundraising events, improving recycling, planting more trees and partnering with local organisations such as the churches and the History Society.
Communication, Engagement and Quick Wins
People favoured a mix of communication channels: a dedicated page in the Walkern Journal, existing social media, a new Wilder Walkern website and village noticeboard. To boost participation, people suggested free wildflower seeds, fun competitions, clear signage explaining rewilding areas and regular updates.
Early “quick wins” include launching communication channels, engaging children in hands‑on activities, starting the wildlife baseline survey, organising a village litter pick and installing bird and bat boxes in community spaces.
Realism and Next Steps
People who attended the meeting were realistic: Wilder Walkern will only succeed if people genuinely buy into it and get involved. The project relies on volunteers and fundraising, as no dedicated budget currently exists. A steady, achievable approach will help maintain trust and momentum.
A small group of volunteers has already stepped forward, and we warmly welcome more—especially anyone who can help with communications or website design. To get involved, please contact mike.allingham@walkernparishcouncil.gov.uk
A huge thank‑you to everyone who has already offered their time, ideas and enthusiasm. Together, we can make Wilder Walkern a real success and help nature thrive across our parish.