Justice, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Programme
Together with Thames Water, we have been delivering a tailored programme of water and nature-based activities which offer a platform and voice for those under represented in environmental action to feel the benefits of connecting to nature.
The programme aims to:
- Celebrate the role of water as a driver for nature whoever you are and wherever you live
- Run activities aimed at young people (and families) in marginalised communities who are less likely to be connected to nature, so they can become nature guardians and champions too
- With our support, create content like videos and images involving the JEDI Nature Champions to improve representation, demonstrate impact and secure further funding
Here are some of our current Nature JEDI Champions. We hope they inspire you to take action for nature where you live!
City Girl In Nature
City Girl is Nature is Kwesia, who grew up in Deptford, an inner city area of South-East London Along with many of her friends, neighbours and peers, she experienced a great deal of the challenges that come with living in an area, and with people, who have often been neglected, excluded and marginalised. After a 3 week experience in the Peruvian rainforest with British Exploring Society she was inspired to start City Girl in Nature as a way to give back to her community. To share her love and passion for the outdoors, and belief that everybody should have the chance to be healed, to be nourished, and to live with abundance.
Kwesia has been working with groups of young people, Global Generations and Story Garden in London to deliver some activity ideas which are simple to make in any backyard!
Southwark Travellers Action Group
Southwark Travellers Action Group (STAG) are a community organisation for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers based in Southwark.
STAG supports the local Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community to overcome barriers to accessing services through one-to-one and group support. STAG also works to overcome the inequalities and disadvantages faced by these communities by running projects targeted at addressing issues with employment, education, health and housing. They run a women’s group and a youth group, as well as events and training to raise awareness of, and celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture and history.
They have been busy on the JEDI Programme with helping nature in many different ways. Here is a video of them building a birdbath with materials from their patch!
If you want to have a go at making your own you can find the activity Here
Tice's Meadow Bird Group
Tice’s Meadow Bird Group are an active group in Tice’s Meadow, a newly developed nature reserve on the site of the former Farnham Quarry on the southern outskirts of Aldershot. The site is widely considered one of the best inland sites to watch birds in the southeast of England.
The group has been working with Parkside, a charity that provide services for disabled children and adults to create some inspiring resources on keeping birds housed and fed throughout the year. Watch out for more from them soon as they make their way into some ponds….