IV. Connecting for Nature
Connecting for Nature
Joining up the landscape so pollinators can move freely
Bees and other pollinators cannot thrive in isolated pockets of green. They need hedgerows, field margins, verges, meadows and gardens that link up into corridors they can travel along to find food and shelter. We bring farmers, landowners, parish councils and conservation groups together to create those eco corridors, so pollinators can keep doing the work that puts food on all our tables.
A farm cluster west of Basingstoke
Our largest programme is helping to bring together a farmer-led farm cluster to the west of Basingstoke. Farm clusters are groups of neighbouring farmers who choose to work together on nature, achieving far more across a landscape than any one farm could on its own. They are led by the farmers themselves, and the projects they take on are shaped by what matters to them.
We are at the early, listening stage: talking with farmers, landowners and the organisations that support them, and building a picture of who is already doing what. The plan is to start small, with a few neighbouring farms, and grow from there. Our aim is to have a realistic plan in place in early 2027.
We see ourselves as a connector, not a director. Our role is to make introductions, share ideas and help good conversations happen.
How you can join in
- Farmers and landowners: talk to us about hedgerows, margins and wild corners, and about working with your neighbours.
- Parish councils: gentler verge and hedge cutting, and wildflower spaces, make a real difference.
- Conservation and community groups: let us connect your work with others nearby.
- Households and schools: every pollinator-friendly garden and school ground is a stepping stone.
Using the corridors we already have
Much of the network already exists. Long-distance paths such as the Wayfarer's Walk and the Harrow Way, railway lines and roadside verges run as continuous lines of hedge and tree across the county. Small changes along them, such as broader margins and gentler cutting, can link habitats together with very little cost.
We are also following the Hampshire Forest Partnership's support for hedgerow and tree planting, and Hampshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy as it moves from strategy to delivery.
Working together
Since the first Nature in Basingstoke Forum in June 2026, it has been clear that everyone, from government to the smallest green group, can achieve much more by working together. We are proud to be part of that conversation alongside:
- Hampshire County Council's Parish Pollinator Pledge
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's Green Team
- Natural Basingstoke
- The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG)
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust