Connecting with local farmers to explore Nature-based Solutions
As part of NURISH’s stakeholder engagement activities, Thames21joined a Roding Rises farm cluster event at Bury Farm on 27 May 2026, providing an opportunity to connect with the local farming community and introduce the project’s objectives and approach to strengthening climate resilience through Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
Bury Farm is particularly relevant to NURISH as it has been identified as the location for one of the Nature-based Solutions planned within Resilience Hub 4 (RH4). The gathering brought members of the farm cluster together for an informal evening of networking and exchange, creating a valuable setting for Thames21 to engage directly with farmers and hear about their experiences and current challenges.
During individual conversations, farmers shared concerns about the lower-than-average rainfall they were experiencing and discussed their varied experiences with Nature-based Solutions. These exchanges provided useful local perspectives on the challenges facing the farming community and the role that NbS could play in responding to changing environmental conditions.
Following the networking session, Thames21 presented the NURISH project to the participants, introducing its main goals and explaining how the project is working to strengthen climate resilience in rural areas. The presentation also provided an opportunity to connect NURISH’s wider objectives with the local context and the Nature-based Solution planned at Bury Farm.
The evening concluded with a bird walk around the farm led by a representative of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), offering participants an opportunity to explore the local environment and biodiversity.
Engagement with local communities and stakeholders is a key part of the NURISH approach. Activities such as the Roding Rises farm cluster event help strengthen relationships with local actors, improve understanding of their experiences and priorities, and support the development of Nature-based Solutions adapted to local needs and conditions.
Building on these exchanges, NURISH will continue engaging with stakeholders within RH4 as the project advances the development and implementation of locally adapted solutions for greater climate resilience.
