Celebrating World Environment Day: Wesleyan Foundation’s Climate Action Recipients in 2025

As we mark World Environment Day, it’s time to celebrate the incredible efforts happening across the UK to protect our planet, restore nature, and empower communities. This year, the Wesleyan Foundation has proudly donated over £56,000 through its Climate Action Grant to support three inspiring environmental projects that are making a real difference for biodiversity, climate action, and community wellbeing.

Avon Needs Trees: Growing Woodland for a Greener Future

Founded in 2019, Avon Needs Trees is tackling climate change and biodiversity loss by purchasing degraded land and transforming it into thriving woodland habitats across the Bristol-Avon River catchment. Their unique model of buying land rather than leasing ensures that their woodlands will last for generations.

Their latest project, the Hales Field Woodland Project in Bath and North East Somerset, aims to restore 20 acres of degraded farmland into a rich mosaic of woodlands, meadows, and wood pasture. This will help sequester carbon, mitigate flooding, and create new spaces for wildlife and people to thrive. The project also engages local communities through volunteering, education, and skills training, with a particular focus on reaching marginalized groups.

Through Wesleyan Foundation’s Climate Action Grant, Avon Needs Trees will plant over 3,000 trees, contributing to a greener, healthier environment for more than 3,000 beneficiaries.

“We’re really excited about this new funding from Wesleyan Foundation - it means we’ll be able to go ahead with an amazing new woodland project this winter: planting 20 acres of diverse woodland, scrub, wildflower meadow and wood pasture in the middle of our newest community forest.

The new woodland, at Lower Chew Forest between Bristol and Bath, will help us do our bit to tackle climate change, as well as making a new home for local wildlife and creating an amazing green space for people to get out into nature.” - Dave Wood, CEO

Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust: Restoring Urban Nature

The Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust has been a pioneer in urban conservation for over 40 years, protecting wildlife and creating green spaces in one of the UK’s most industrial regions.

Their exciting Deer’s Leaps and Bounds project focuses on restoring Deer’s Leap Wood Nature Reserve in Edgbaston, Birmingham. The initiative enhances woodland and wetland habitats, improves visitor access with new paths and signage, and boosts community engagement through volunteering and education. This project not only supports biodiversity but also addresses urban health and wellbeing by providing safe, accessible green space in an area ranked among the most deprived in England.

With the support of the Wesleyan Climate Action Grant, this project will enhance habitats, increase carbon sequestration, and benefit 11,000 local residents through improved access and wellbeing.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Wesleyan’s support, which is helping us bring nature and community together at Deer’s Leap Woods. Their support enables us to restore this urban oasis into a more inclusive, biodiverse and climate resilient green space for everyone to enjoy.” - Mya Badhan, Fundraising Officer

The Orchard Project: Cultivating Community and Climate Resilience

The Orchard Project connects people with nature through planting and caring for community orchards. Their work supports biodiversity, promotes climate resilience, and nurtures community spirit across the UK.

By transforming unused or neglected spaces into fruitful orchards, they create vibrant green hubs where people can gather, learn, and grow together. These orchards not only provide habitat for wildlife but also improve air quality, enhance mental wellbeing, and offer educational opportunities for all ages.

Thanks to Wesleyan Foundation’s funding, The Orchard Project continues to expand its reach, planting new orchards and supporting local groups to build greener, more connected communities.

“We’re delighted to be working with the Wesleyan Foundation to create two new community orchards in Islington. These sites will bring people together to grow food, learn new skills and connect with nature, while helping to build a more resilient and climate-friendly city.” - Harry Earle-Mundil, Head of Fundraising

Why These Projects Matter

Together, these three projects embody the spirit of World Environment Day by taking tangible steps to restore nature, fight climate change, and foster community involvement. From planting thousands of trees and restoring urban woodlands to cultivating community orchards, their work shows how local actions can have global impacts.

The Wesleyan Foundation’s commitment—donating over £56,000 to these grassroots initiatives—amplifies the power of collective environmental action, empowering communities to create lasting change.