Healing nature, connecting people

We preserve and restore nature, regenerate and reimagine urban biodiversity by physically removing pollution, implementing cost-effective solutions and education.

We open up and restore green and blue spaces working alongside our key partners to give communities access to the waterways, with a particular focus on vulnerable people.

Little Mead Restoration

Little Mead is a public green space and part of the Soar corridor. It is an important transportation link for sustainable travel such as cycling and walking, with the latter now being transformed. Working with Leicester City Council Parks & Open Spaces we removed approximately 200 syringes that had built up in an urban ‘drug den’ and set to work at opening the space with sightlines, reopening a derelict path and restoring to a biodiverse habitat.

“It’s great to see the work done in Little Mead by the Green Circle team. As a local resident I walk or cycle through there most days and there have been big improvements. I have seen how Ian is a good listener who connects with a diverse range of local people and groups, as well as having knowledge and experience of managing habitats for the benefit of local species and wildlife. He is well aware of the issues ‘on the ground’ – wildlife habitats, flood management, women’s safety, illegal fishing, antisocial behaviour, litter etc. He also understands the benefits of this space being well used by local people (recreation, mental health, active transport, connection with nature). It’s not always easy to balance the needs of local residents and of the other species that share the space, but I trust Ian’s judgement on this and feel the management of the area is in good hands.”

Anna Walsh, Belgrave resident and Community Connector

River Guardianship

Wildlife crime doesn’t just happen in rural areas. Did you know that poaching is in issue in the River Soar? For example, in a half mile stretch of the Soar we found over 30 areas where crayfish traps had been laid. Use of crayfish traps require licences and strict regulations apply. In fact, they are not allowed at all in Leicestershire. They destroy biodiversity – as well as the impact on the crayfish, their natural predators are harmed. The traps drown otters, water birds and kill predatory fish.

We have joined together with regional and national partners, including the Environment Agency, Leicester City Council and the Canal and River Trust to gather and collate intelligence to allow targeted action. By raising awareness, we help with tackling this issue through engaging with the community.

Crayfish traps that have been removed

Cleaning up the river to create safe spaces – keeping it clean, green and biodiverse

Biodiversity is not just flora and fauna – we’re also about the human aspect. So how do we do this? We physically remove litter, rubbish and pollution from the waterways and surrounding areas. We cleared community walkways and made them safer for everyone through creating sight lines and wider pathways. We reintroduce native species to bring back balance to nature. Seeing our team involved in rubbish clearing and other programmes to improve the environment encourages members of the community to get involved and can help to reduce crime whilst increasing biodiversity. Our projects are not just over a specific time period, we continue to monitor and maintain these areas ongoing. Utilising our proven successes, we keep talking to our partners and the community to tackle new projects.

Supporting young offenders and victims of domestic violence

Working with the local police we are developing projects to provide a safe haven and utilising nature for vulnerable people, including the Violence Reduction Network (www.violencereductionnetwork.co.uk) and breaking the cycle of knife crime amongst young people by providing a separate outlet.

We restore blue and green havens for people and nature

We are proud to have delivered impactful and sustainable change, creating beneficial outcomes for people, biodiversity and our interconnected communities.

Our stewardship of the places we manage has created an urban nature reserve and biodiverse oasis, which is enjoyed by our community – both human and all manner of wonderful creatures.

The habitats we have restored balance the needs and dynamics of people, their safety, and biodiversity.

Our wildlife monitoring cameras show lots of cute footage of nature thriving.

Do you have great photos of The River Soar?

If you would like your photos to be featured on Green Circle email us your snaps at info@greencirclenature.co.uk