Re-Betchworth

Our aim is to ‘promote the conservation, protection and regeneration of the natural environment and raise awareness of practices for a more sustainable future’. Our work for nature can be framed within the idea of a B-Line (Buglife): a north-south biodiversity corridor through the Parish of Betchworth, within which we are trying to understand and raise awareness of nature. Initiatives include: building bird boxes and hedgehog shelters, planting 70 trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy, cultivating wildflower strips and mini meadows for insect pollinators, undertaking habitat mapping and surveys and offering workshops e.g. apple tree pruning and scything. Learning and education are important strands of our work, so we also offer a Forest School and provide information through our websites, our quarterly magazine, Zoom meetings and wildlife movies on YouTube.

Securing the trust and support of Betchworth Parish Council and initial financial backing which enabled us to subsidise the cost of a broad range of activities and so speed our way into village consciousness, activities and events.

Engaging people and moving from, “well that’s an interesting idea”, to “how can we help or join in?” Our approach is to keep trying, working with doors that are open and returning to those that are closed in a different way.

We will work towards our vision for a community where everyone cares for the natural environment and understands the need to live for a future that is more sustainable. We want to double the number of people leading activities and collaborate with neighbouring parishes.

Look for ‘hooks’ to promote activities, the more tangible their result the better. Engage with national initiatives like No Mow May, Meadows Day, B-Line and Big Butterfly Count. Use a variety of communication channels and formats and don’t be afraid to knock on doors.