Earthwatch at 50: Damian Ryan

Earthwatch at 50: Damian Ryan’s story

In 2020, Damian Ryan joined his local Naturehood group to help create a local environment that maximises the benefits of nature to both people and the environment. The programme has generated a sense of community and common purpose among him and his neighbours.

 “We are understanding and appreciating how much wildlife (and potential wildlife) we have in our community and the benefits this brings,” he says.

And he says that sharing a common vision with his neighbours and learning new things – about nature and his community – is what drives him.

 “Collectively, we’ve planted out several public planters with new pollinator-friendly species; sown a local pathway-verge with wild meadow flowers; and started to discuss how we can improve habitat connections for hedgehogs and other small animals across our gardens. I like to think we’re doing something practical that helps to address, at a local and tangible level, the climate and biodiversity crises we face as a country and a planet.”