A Year of Progress – Thanks to Supporters Like You
Over the past year, ecoACTIVE has worked with schools, community groups, residents’ organisations and local partners across Hackney and beyond. Together, we’ve delivered hands-on, nature-based projects that improve wellbeing, strengthen communities and boost biodiversity.
You can read our full Impact Report below but we also wanted to pick out some key highlights.
Project Highlights & Opportunities for 2026
The Hackney Buzzline
Impact:
In its first year, the Buzzline enabled 431 residents to build new skills, deepen their connection with nature and play an active role in creating Hackney’s emerging pollinator corridor. With support from volunteers, our Community Ecologist identified 122 insect species, forming the foundation of a new pollinator planting guide designed specifically for Hackney’s neighbourhoods.
What’s next:
This year we have expanded planting and habitat creation at Clapton Park Estate and Daubney Fields. Our pilot pollinator training with local schools has been a success, and in 2026 we’ll be extending this to Local Authority teams and community garden volunteers.
We’re now welcoming employee volunteer groups to take part in planting events or join a Buzzline Wellness Walk in the new year.
Community Garden Network
Impact:
In 2024-25 we supported 8 community garden groups, delivering 45 tailored advice sessions and helping run 19 community events. The results speak for themselves:
92% of regular volunteers gained new skills and expanded their social networks
95% reported improved physical or mental wellbeing through their involvement
What’s next:
With support from the Bupa Foundation, we will deliver a borough-wide climate resilience and biodiversity training programme for community gardens.
We are now seeking contributions to a Community Pollinator Bursary Fund, allowing us to supply pollinator-friendly plants, seeds and habitat features for gardens, estates and neighbourhoods across Hackney.
Forest School
Impact:
This year we delivered seven long-term forest school programmes, supporting 145 young people to build confidence, improve social skills and strengthen their connection to local green spaces.
What’s next:
Following a successful pilot at a local adventure playground, we’re ready to expand weekly Nature Clubs to more playgrounds in 2026. We are seeking sponsors to help bring these free, high-quality outdoor experiences to more children across Hackney.
Environmental Learning
Impact:
We delivered 90 environmental learning sessions with 2,867 participants, including school workshops, community event sessions and employee training. Participants gained practical sustainability skills and took ownership of greening projects in their own settings.
What’s next:
We are now building our Environmental Learning Bursary Fund to ensure schools in more deprived areas can access subsidised or fully funded ecoACTIVE sessions.
Green Careers and Sustainability
Impact:
This year we:
Supported schools to progress their Climate Action Plans
Delivered Green Careers training in secondary schools
Launched our new ISEP-accredited course: Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce, tailored specially for 16–25 year olds
What’s next:
As a newly registered ISEP training provider, we are seeking sponsors to fund fully subsidised training places for young people across London and the UK, helping them step confidently into the green workforce of the future.
Ways you can connect with ecoACTIVE
There are plenty of ways to connect as an individual, school or organisation from volunteering days to donations.
Thank you again for being part of this journey. Your support continues to help people connect with nature, gain new skills and create greener, healthier neighbourhoods.
