We’re proud to announce that ecoACTIVE has been awarded funding from the John Lewis Partnership Nature Fund to support our ambitious projects that bring together early years children, young people, and community members across East London.

This grant will enable us to expand our environmental education, pollinator work and sustainability training, targeting communities most in need of access to green spaces and green skills.

John Lewis Partnership Nature Fund visiting ecoACTIVE at Leaside

What is the John Lewis Partnership Nature Fund?

The Nature Fund, formerly the John Spedan Lewis Foundation, supports projects that protect, restore and enhance nature in the UK. It focuses on improving access to nature, fostering environmental learning, and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Since its founding in 1967, the fund has evolved to reflect the values of the John Lewis Partnership—enabling people from all backgrounds to engage with the natural world, and mitigating the environmental impacts of business and global supply chains.

Our 2025 Project: Education, Ecology, Empowerment

With this support, ecoACTIVE will deliver a year-long programme featuring:

Forest School & Nature Access Sessions

Over 50 sessions for Early Years and Primary pupils, focused on exploring biodiversity, learning through nature play, and connecting with local wildlife.

Sustainability & Green Skills Education

15 workshops for secondary and post-16 pupils focusing on pollution, ecology, climate justice, and green career pathways—alongside expert guest speakers and student-led action plans.

Accredited Environmental Sustainability Training

In partnership with Watts Sustainability, we’ll deliver 4 IEMA-certified training courses to 50 young people aged 16–25, equipping them with the credentials and confidence to thrive in the green economy.

Pollinator Training Pilot

A hands-on ecology and habitat creation programme for three Hackney schools located along the Hackney Buzzline—our pioneering pollinator corridor. Participants will plant pollinator-friendly habitats and learn to monitor biodiversity.

More Than Just Numbers

Beyond the 660+ direct participants, the ripple effects of this project will reach families, teachers, carers, and communities. We’re also helping schools meet new requirements to have a Climate Action Plan by 2025, by supporting biodiversity initiatives and climate education.

By training staff, mentoring eco-teams, and embedding sustainability into school life, we’ll create lasting change that extends beyond the classroom.

Evidence & Evaluation

We’re working with Shephard & Moyes on a robust monitoring framework for all activities, building on our past success. For example:

87% of Forest School participants report stronger connection to nature, and gains in confidence and wellbeing.
Our Buzzline surveys are verified by Butterfly Conservation and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, helping to build a real-world evidence base for ecological restoration in cities.
The IEMA course includes an exam, providing an objective measure of green knowledge and practical competency.

Our Team

This project will be led by a talented team, including:

Catia Squarcia (Senior Learning & Ops Manager) – IEMA-qualified, Forest School leader
Stephanie Miller – Forest School Leader
Peter Watts – IEMA-certified trainer, Watts Sustainability
Gerard Tissier – Award-winning ecologist and Queen Mary research fellow
Rachael Cohen – Community gardener and pollinator habitat specialist

Legacy & Long-Term Impact

ecoACTIVE has worked in Hackney for over 20 years. The Hackney Buzzline is gaining national and international attention as a model for urban ecological connectivity. With every new planting, training session, and conversation, we’re building a more resilient and biodiverse London.

All learning from this programme will be used to strengthen future projects, and resources will remain accessible to schools and community partners well beyond the funding period.

Our work advances education, environmental protection, and community development. It fosters a legacy of environmental awareness and action—empowering participants to become future stewards of their local ecosystems.

Connections That Matter

Through this project, we expect to create over 660 meaningful, direct connections—from young people gaining skills to educators gaining confidence, and communities gaining access to richer, wilder, greener spaces.

Nature, Skills & Community: ecoACTIVE Wins John Lewis Partnership Nature Fund Award