Policy, Planning and Advocacy

Help us speak up for nature in local and national decision-making

Natural Basingstoke works to make sure wildlife, biodiversity and nature recovery have a stronger voice in the decisions that shape Basingstoke and Deane.

This work ranges from local planning applications and the Local Plan to wider policy advocacy on issues that affect nature, biodiversity, water, green infrastructure, planning reform and environmental protection. We engage constructively with councillors, council officers, local MPs, partner organisations, community groups and other stakeholders to promote better outcomes for nature.

Our advocacy work can include detailed evidence gathering, policy research, consultation responses, meetings with decision-makers, public briefings, campaign materials, media engagement and press strategies. For example, we have engaged with national planning reform where proposed changes could affect wildlife, biodiversity protections and local democratic scrutiny.

We are looking for volunteers who can help us strengthen this important area of work. You do not need to be a policy expert to get involved. There are useful roles for people with different levels of experience — from helping monitor consultations and summarise documents, through to research, writing, mapping, communications, public affairs or strategic campaign support.

Volunteers might help with:

monitoring local planning applications and policy consultations;
reviewing planning, biodiversity, water, climate or environmental policy documents;
researching national policy changes that may affect wildlife and nature recovery;
helping prepare evidence papers, briefings and consultation responses;
supporting engagement with councillors, MPs, officers and partner organisations;
preparing notes for meetings with local stakeholders or decision-makers;
helping turn complex policy issues into clear public-facing updates;
supporting media, press and awareness-raising strategies;
researching case studies, legislation, guidance or local evidence;
helping with GIS mapping, data analysis or evidence visualisation;
tracking commitments made by councils, MPs or public bodies;
supporting campaigns linked to biodiversity, green infrastructure, water quality, planning reform and nature recovery.

We are especially keen to hear from people with experience or interest in policy, planning, ecology, environmental law, public affairs, communications, journalism, research, campaigning, media strategy, GIS, data analysis, community organising or stakeholder engagement.

This work can often be done flexibly and remotely, so it may suit people who want to help nature but cannot regularly attend practical conservation sessions. It may also suit people who enjoy research, writing, strategic thinking, public engagement or working behind the scenes to influence change.

Interested in helping with policy, planning or advocacy?

If you would like to support our evidence-led work for nature, please contact us at:

admin@naturalbasingstoke.org.uk

Suggested subject line:

Policy and advocacy volunteering

You are welcome to tell us about any relevant skills, experience or interests, but please do not worry if you are new to this area. Enthusiasm, reliability, curiosity and attention to detail are all valuable.