The Impact of Better Place Bradford’s Nurture Naturelets project
02 April 2025
Throughout late Summer, Autumn and Winter 2024, Better Place Bradford have been able to deliver their Nurture Naturelets project thanks to funding of £47k from Natural England.
With additional funds totalling £24k from Better Start Bradford, Bradford Council’s Spring Grant and Morley Glass, the team have delivered 94 Nature Nurture sessions to almost 1,500 families with 0-4s.
Adele Adams, Better Place Project Manager said:
We have loved delivering our Nurture Naturelets project over the last six months, with over 278 hours spent connecting families with 0-4s, with nature. We have expanded their horizons and offered everyday free or affordable adventures where families with 0-4s can connect with nature, explore, investigate, take risks and be challenged.
We have increased the variety of activity choice and options of places to go, including green spaces outside the area for inspiration, including: a foraging session at Golden Acre Park in Leeds and a field trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park for inspiration for the design of a sculpture in Laisterdyke.
One local Dad said:
The sessions have been amazing for me as a dad, I always bring my daughters out to the parks, but this gives us real time to connect by taking part in activities, rather than me sat on the bench while they play on the slide. I have started to try similar activities on my own such as bug hunts, family outdoor exercise, building in the sand.
I always make sure that we come out in every weather; on the colder days, I tell my daughters they are extra special as we have the full park to ourselves!
Alongside over 278 hours of nature connection sessions, Nurture Naturelets has provided mini habitats and 101 trees for 52 families, 80 nature themed gifts, including stuffed woodland animals and nature cushions, have been given to families, 5,500 Little Pickle Prickle books have been printed, murals of woodland creatures and mini beasts have been installed at Peel Park and Mary Street.
A community developed sculpture featuring 16 dragonflies took pride of place at the Lovely Bug Ball at Bowling Park and 30 mini habitats, including bug hotels, ladybird lounges and bird/bat nest boxes have been installed at Better Place sites in the Better Start Bradford area.
They have even had CBeebies very own Mr Bloom make an appearance at their Harvest Festival and plant giveaway events.
Check out this infographic to find out more about the impact of Nurture Naturelets.
About Better Place
Better Place is identifying and overseeing improvements to local parks and outdoor spaces with the aim of providing a healthier and happier environment for expectant parents, babies, young children and families. The project is also finding ways to reduce exposure to harmful traffic fumes for pregnant women and small children.
The Better Place project is a Better Start Bradford project that is being delivered in collaboration with Bradford Council, Bradford Trident, Groundwork UK, Public Health, voluntary and community sector groups and local people.
Check out our events and activities page to find out what the Better Place Activities team are doing in Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton.
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The Better Place project has transformed parks and greenspaces across the Better Start Bradford area for you to explore with your little ones. Where will your next adventure be?
Whether you’re expecting a baby, have children aged 0-3 or work or volunteer in health, maternity or early years, we've got an event or training session for you.