Biodiversity is the world’s strongest natural defense against climate change, as we explained in a previous article. We can all help the fight against climate change even in a small way such as by encouraging biodiversity in our gardens and local environments.

The John Muir Trust is a UK-based conservation charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing wild places. Alison Bucknall is the Training and Engagement Officer based at Charterhouse Heritage Park, Coventry and she invites Coventry people and organisations to apply for the John Muir Award.

John Muir Award helps people Discover, Explore, Conserve and Share their experiences in nature. It offers a simple, flexible framework that many community groups and schools use to enrich their outdoor learning, support Eco Clubs, and complement programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It is also available in individuals and families looking to increase biodiversity in their own gardens or local green space.

Since its launch in 1997, more than 500,000 people have achieved their John Muir Award – connecting with wild places, building confidence, and developing environmental awareness.

Learn more: www.johnmuirtrust.org/award

Thanks to funding from Nature Towns and Cities as part of our first urban project at Charterhouse Heritage Park, Alison is able to offer Coventry-based organisations a one-year group membership of the John Muir Trust, enabling individuals, families or groups to become John Muir Award providers at no cost.

To find out more and help you get started, Alison will be running free 90-minute online introductory workshops on the dates below. Click the date to book find out more: 04 March, 16 April, 12 May, 18 June.

If you are unable to attend any of these but would like a short conversation to explore how the Award could work in your setting, please email Alison at Charterhouse@johnmuirtrust.org.

You can also keep in touch by signing up to her email updates.

She hopes you will join John Muir Trust in helping the people of Coventry to connect with, enjoy and care for their local wild places.