a thriving, sustainable and equitable Tees Valley.
Originally established as Middlesbrough Environment City in 1992, our organisation began with a focus on environmental sustainability, community action and inspiring people to care for the world around them.
Our story is closely connected to Nature’s World in Acklam, the pioneering environmental centre that became home to many of our early activities and ambitions.
For a generation of local people, Nature’s World was a place of discovery, learning and connection with nature. It helped shape the values that continue to guide our work today: bringing people together, encouraging positive action and creating a healthier relationship between people and planet.
When Nature’s World closed in 2013, Middlesbrough Environment City stepped forward to preserve part of the site by leasing the allotment area and two of its main buildings. This ensured that community assets remained available for local people and protected an important part of the organisation’s heritage.
As our communities have evolved, so too have the challenges they face. Alongside environmental concerns come rising inequality, poor health outcomes, food insecurity, fuel poverty and increasing pressure on the social fabric of our neighbourhoods.
We recognise that sustainability is about much more than the environment alone. It’s about people, places and opportunity. It’s about creating communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Our work has expanded to tackle these interconnected issues through practical support, partnerships and community-led action. From active travel and energy advice, to our network of Eco Shops, community growing projects and climate action, we’ve developed programmes that respond to the realities of people’s everyday lives.
Although our projects are diverse, they all share a common purpose: helping people build healthier, more resilient and more sustainable lives.
We believe thriving communities are built when people have access to the support, opportunities and resources they need. That’s why we work alongside residents, volunteers, community groups, businesses and public-sector partners to create solutions that make a genuine difference.
While our name has changed, our purpose remains the same. Nine Yards builds on more than 30 years of experience, partnership and community action, continuing our commitment to creating positive change.
The name reflects how we work: we look at the whole picture, we provide practical wraparound support, and we go the whole nine yards for the communities we serve. It captures the passion and commitment of our staff, volunteers, partners and communities across the Tees Valley.
Nine Yards isn’t a new organisation – it’s an exciting next chapter in a story that began at Nature’s World more than 30 years ago.
The challenges facing our region remain significant, but so too does the potential for positive change. Every day we see what happens when people are empowered, connected and supported to shape their own future.
As Nine Yards, we’ll continue to build strong partnerships, develop innovative projects and champion the communities we serve. We’ll continue to help people access the support they need, take positive action and create lasting change for themselves, their communities and the environment. And we’ll continue to be fiercely proud of our wonderful part of the world.
Because when people and places thrive together, everyone benefits.
Our History
1992
Preserving the legacy of Nature’s World
Read MoreThe Nature’s World site in Acklam is officially opened by renowned botanist and environmental campaigner Dr David Bellamy
1992
Middlesbrough Environment City is established
Read MoreMiddlesbrough is selected as one of only four Environment Cities in England through a national competition. Middlesbrough Environment City is established to help create a more sustainable future through partnership working, environmental action and community engagement.
1994
A royal visit
Read MoreHis Royal Highness Prince Charles visits Nature’s World and unveils the centre’s new branding, bringing national attention to the area
1998
Registered charity status
Read MoreThe organisation officially becomes a registered charity, creating a strong foundation for long-term community impact.
2010
Middlesbrough Food Partnership established
Read MoreThe partnership is formed to bring together organisations and communities around a shared vision for healthy, sustainable and accessible food in Middlesbrough.
2013
Nature’s World closes
Read MoreNature’s World closes to the public and a volunteer-led community group – Friends Of Nature’s World – is formed in 2014 to take on the task of maintaining and restoring gardens, paths and wildlife habitats.
2016
Lease of Site
Read MoreFollowing the closure of Nature’s World, Middlesbrough Environment City takes on the lease of the allotment and two of the main buildings on the site. The move ensures that spaces created to connect people with nature can continue to serve local communities for years to come.
2017
National recognition for food leadership
Read MoreThe Middlesbrough Food Partnership achieves the Sustainable Food Cities Bronze Award, recognising the town’s commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable food system.
2018
Eco Shop concept created
Read MoreMiddlesbrough Environment City becomes an independent Company Limited by Guarantee, strengthening its ability to deliver projects and partnerships across the region.
2019
A national first
Read MoreMiddlesbrough becomes the first place in the UK to progress from Bronze to the Sustainable Food Places Silver Award, demonstrating national leadership in sustainable food and community action.
2024
Gold standard
Read MoreThe Middlesbrough Food Partnership secures the prestigious Sustainable Food Places Gold Award, becoming the first town in Northern England to achieve this recognition.
2025
Expanding community impact
Read MoreMiddlesbrough Environment City expands its network of community Eco Shops across Teesside, helping residents access affordable, sustainable products and practical low-carbon living advice.
2026
National spotlight
Read MoreCommunity-led volunteering and wellbeing initiatives delivered by Middlesbrough Environment City are featured on national television, highlighting the power of local action to transform lives and communities.
2026
Permanent Home
Read MoreHaving found its home at Nature’s World in 2016, Middlesbrough Environment City agrees to take on the lease for the whole site.
2026
Nine Yards is born
Read MoreMore than 30 years after its journey began, Middlesbrough Environment City evolves into Nine Yards. The new name reflects the charity’s expanded role in supporting healthier lives, stronger communities and a more sustainable future across the Tees Valley.
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