Space for Nature

Citizen action for biodiversity in backyards, kura, and urban communities

Space for Nature is a Bay of Plenty–wide citizen action initiative that supports people to protect and grow biodiversity where they live, learn, and work. Rather than being a one-off event or visit, this experience invites participants to become active kaitiaki of their own spaces, from backyards and school grounds to shared community areas.

The programme is facilitated by Envirohub Bay of Plenty through the Waiariki Park Region initiative, working alongside existing local projects and agencies to strengthen ecological connections across urban and semi-urban landscapes.

This article provides information about science-related experiences to support school planning. You can view more experiences across Aotearoa here.

     What is Space for Nature?

Private gardens, school grounds, and urban green spaces make up a significant portion of towns and cities across the Bay of Plenty. Space for Nature recognises that every square metre counts, whether it is a large backyard, a school garden, or a small patch of whenua.

Participants are supported to make simple, low-cost changes that help to:

• increase tree and vegetation cover

• reduce predators

• provide food and shelter for native species

• strengthen ecological corridors between estuary and land ecosystems

  
  

By taking part, individuals and groups help increase urban tree canopy and habitat, support birds, lizards, insects, and pollinators, and reduce predator pressure across their neighbourhoods. Participation also encourages people to connect more closely with nature, supporting wellbeing while joining a growing network of local kaitiaki who are contributing to wider restoration efforts in their communities.

For schools and kura, Space for Nature provides a real-world, ongoing context for learning about ecology, sustainability, and community action, grounded in students’ own everyday environments.

     Who can take part

Space for Nature is open to:

• Urban and semi-rural residents

• Schools and education providers

• Businesses

• Community organisations

  
  

Registration is available across Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty, with new areas added as the programme expands.

     What participants receive

Signing up to Space for Nature includes practical support to get started and stay connected:

• A sign for your gate or letterbox showing your commitment

• A resource booklet with local guidance

• A personalised welcome email with further resources

• A free backyard rat trap and tunnel through Predator Free Bay of Plenty

• A native tree or shrub to plant

• A quarterly newsletter

• Invitations to workshops and garden tours
  

     It's free

Thanks to funding support from Bay Trust, Tauranga City Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, participation in Space for Nature is free.

     How to get involved

Residents and organisations can register to join and will be supported with advice, resources, and local connections.

🌱 Check out the website here.

📧 wpr@envirohub.org.nz

📍 Envirohub, 31B Glasgow Street, Tauranga

📞 07 578 6664

Like and follow their Facebook page and Instagram account.

---

Space for Nature offers a practical and accessible way for individuals, whānau, schools, and organisations to take meaningful action for biodiversity where they already live and learn. By supporting small, local changes and connecting participants into a wider network of kaitiaki, the initiative helps strengthen ecological resilience across the Bay of Plenty while fostering a deeper connection to place, nature, and community.

See More Experiences