In 2023 and 2024 I served as a consultant and facilitator for the Bridgend Local Nature Partnerships Nature Recovery Action Plan consultations. An initiative aimed at shaping the future of nature recovery in the region. This consultation, carried out in collaboration with Bridgend County Borough Council and a diverse network of organisations and community groups, was structured into two key phases.
Phase 1 Community Engagement for Environmental Change in 2023
In 2023, I co-facilitated the first phase alongside Bound. This stage focused on initial community engagement and the development of six facilitated sessions across the county. By bringing together key stakeholders, we ensured that voices from various sectors, including conservation groups, local authorities, and community representatives, were heard and valued.
Social media outreach played a crucial role in raising the profile of the partnership and encouraging broader participation.
Phase 2: Facilitating Biodiversity Conversations Across Bridgend in 2024
The second phase, conducted in 2024, was co-facilitated with Cerys Presents. Building on the groundwork laid in Phase 1, this stage deepened engagement efforts, refining and expanding ideas for nature recovery initiatives.
A series of facilitated workshops further strengthened collaboration, allowing us to explore co-produced practical and strategic approaches to future projects.
Community engagement work was only one part of the process in Phase 2. A targeted series of questionnaires were designed and circulated to pull together a specific needs analysis.
Key Outcomes: A Shared Vision for Nature Recovery
The consultation process resulted in a comprehensive report detailing the findings from both phases. This report outlined key themes, identified priority areas for action, and provided a framework for a range of pipeline projects designed to enhance biodiversity and environmental sustainability in Bridgend.
Through structured facilitation, we successfully connected stakeholders, fostered meaningful discussions, and supported the development of a shared vision for nature recovery.
This project highlights my commitment to effective facilitation, strategic engagement, and collaborative action in the environmental sector. It was an privilege to contribute to such an important initiative, working with passionate individuals and organisations dedicated to the protection and restoration of natural spaces in Bridgend.