Nurturing Natural Connections is a transformative five-year project that will restore urban wildlife and empower communities across Cumbernauld and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) will play a key role in delivering it.
Supported by National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this is a wide-reaching programme of nature restoration and community engagement. As part of this, TCV will expand our charitable work in the area and deepen our impact on both people and nature.
We are thrilled that Nurturing Natural Connections has received this backing to go ahead. It will create new opportunities for individuals and community groups in Cumbernauld to get involved in coordinated practical actions designed to protect and enhance natural heritage in the area, at a time when this has never been needed more. The transformation that this programme brings will benefit not only the existing community, but also generations to come.
Sandra Lyons, TCV Operations Leader
Nature restoration with people at its heart
TCV’s work in Cumbernauld will focus on engaging local people in practical conservation, citizen science, and nature-based wellbeing activities. Over the next five years, we’ll help deliver:
- 700+ sessions including health and wellbeing activities, citizen science, and hands-on conservation
- Over 3,000 people engaged, including under-represented groups and those most disconnected from nature
- 90 volunteers recruited, building skills and confidence through meaningful outdoor experiences
- Greening active travel routes and improving access to greenspaces
- Advocacy for green infrastructure in Community Growth Areas and town centre redevelopment
A strong partnership for a resilient future
TCV is proud to be part of the Cumbernauld Living Landscape partnership, working alongside the Scottish Wildlife Trust, North Lanarkshire Council, and Sanctuary Scotland. Together, we’re building on a decade of successful collaboration to deliver large-scale habitat restoration and community-led action.
The project’s four workstreams — Natural Benefits, Nature Network, Nurturing Nature, and Nature Counts — will deliver outcomes ranging from tree planting and grassland creation to digital engagement and ecological training.
From the magnificent bluebell displays of Cumbernauld Glen to the river woodlands of Luggiebank, Cumbernauld is home to so much incredible wildlife. Sadly however, much of it is in poor condition and many people are not aware of the beauty that’s right on their doorstep. For over ten years, we’ve proudly worked alongside local communities to restore our greenspaces, and we’re excited to begin our next chapter with Nurturing Natural Connections … We’ve seen the devastation caused by the nature and climate crises first-hand here in Cumbernauld, particularly with the recent storms and wildfires. However, we’ve also seen how powerful nature can be in helping us recover. By implementing nature-based solutions to some of today’s biggest challenges, we can build a town that thrives in tandem with the natural environment.
Tracy Lambert, Cumbernauld Living Landscape Project Manager
Why this matters now
With the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing communities, this project couldn’t come at a more critical time. By embedding nature into everyday lives and empowering people to care for their local environment, we’re helping build a healthier, more resilient Cumbernauld — for today and for future generations.
For more information or to find out how you can get involved, visit the Cumbernauld Living Landscape website.
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