
Our Dream
The Naeema Project envisions a transformed canal corridor between Blackburn and Chorley - a place where nature, community, and purpose come together. We aim to revitalise this overlooked space into a vibrant hub that serves and welcomes people from all walks of life.
Our vision unfolds in three phases:
Phase One: Connecting Through Nature
We begin by bringing the community together through outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, cycling, canoeing, climbing, and informal gatherings. These events foster wellbeing whilst encouraging people to build connections as well as appreciate the beauty of their local environment. Alongside these events, we will lead efforts to clean and care for the canal and its surrounding areas, restoring the landscape as a shared space for all to enjoy.
Phase Two: A Permanent Space for Growth
The next step is to establish a dedicated physical location - a base for deeper initiatives that promote community cohesion, environmental education, and interfaith dialogue. This space will serve as a platform for unity and shared learning, helping to bridge divides and strengthen the social fabric of Blackburn.
To amplify our impact, we will actively collaborate with existing NGOs, community groups, and local organisations. By working together, we aim to strengthen our reach, share resources, and build lasting partnerships that serve the wider Blackburn community.
Phase Three: Botanical Gardens for the Soul
Inspired by the Eden Project, this final phase envisions the restoration of the canal area through the creation of stunning botanical gardens - a sanctuary where flowing water, free-roaming wildlife, and renewable energy come together in harmony. Each garden will be themed around universal virtues such as forgiveness, peace-making, charity, compassion, and love for the sake of God.
These gardens are not only meant to be places of beauty and tranquillity, but also powerful spiritual symbols. They are designed to remind visitors that every good deed done sincerely for the sake of God - whether helping a neighbour, showing kindness, or acting with integrity - contributes to a more beautiful world in the hereafter. The botanical gardens will reflect this vision, serving as a living metaphor for the eternal rewards of goodness, and inspiring all who visit to live with purpose, faith, and compassion.
Our Values
The Naeema Project is guided by values rooted in the Qur’anic principles of justice (ʿadl), excellence (iḥsān), and care for those around us (ītā’ dhī al-qurbā).
We strive to embody these teachings in every step we take - serving others with sincerity, treating all with fairness, and nurturing strong, compassionate ties within our community.
Our work is an act of devotion, carried out with the belief that doing good for the sake of God leads to lasting beauty in this world and in the life to come.
Our Winning Behaviours
To help us realise our vision, we are guided by a set of behaviours that bring our values to life.
These winning behaviours reflect the spirit of justice (ʿadl), excellence (iḥsān), and care for those around us (ītā’ dhī al-qurbā).
They shape how we work together, how we serve others, and how we honour both people and place. Whether in planning an event, restoring the canal, or simply welcoming someone with warmth, these behaviours remind us of who we are and what we are building.
Justice
(ʿAdl)
⚖️
🌟
Excellence
(Iḥsān)
Fairness, balance, and integrity in all we do.
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Treat others with fairness and dignity
Speak and act with justice - regardless of status, background, or opinion. -
Make decisions with transparency and accountability
Include others, explain reasoning, and remain open to feedback. -
Uphold the rights of people and the environment
Ensure no one is harmed or left behind, and care for the earth as a trust from God.
Doing things beautifully, sincerely, and to the best of our ability.
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Give your best in every task
Whether seen or unseen, do all work with care, quality, and intention. -
Act with sincerity and purpose
Serve for the sake of God - not praise, position, or reward. -
Reflect beauty in speech, action, and space
Speak kindly, act thoughtfully, and help create surroundings that are uplifting
🤝
Care for Those Around Us
Compassion, generosity, and responsibility to those closest to us.
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Support your family, neighbours, and local community
Start with those near and be present for their needs. -
Strengthen bonds and build trust
Invest time in relationships and uplift those who feel unseen or disconnected. -
Share your time, skills, and resources generously
Give from what you have — whether it’s a listening ear, a helping hand, or a meal.
(Ītā’ dhī al-Qurbā)
Our Focus
Driving Positive Change
Explore our impactful initiatives that aim to enhance the Blackburn community and promote a sustainable environment. We are dedicated to offering activities like picnics, walks, hikes, cycling and kayaking to raise funds for the continuous improvement of the canal and to move the project onto the next phase.
Connecting Locals
Our community engagement programs focus on bringing residents together through shared activities, events, and initiatives. By fostering a sense of belonging, we aim to strengthen the bonds within the community.
Nature Wellness
Embrace the tranquility of nature with our wellness initiatives designed to promote mental and physical well-being. From guided hikes to eco-friendly practices, we strive to create a harmonious relationship between people and the environment.
Active Living
Encouraging active lifestyles is at the heart of our mission. Through various activities and events, we promote health, fitness, and well-being among community members of all ages.
How To Support
Join us in making a difference by supporting Naeema Project. Your contribution helps us launch impactful initiatives for the community.

Take Part
Naeema Project invites everyone - a community movement to reconnect with nature, have fun, and build something beautiful together for the sake of God and the good of all.

Volunteer
Join us as a volunteer with the Naeema Project — lets bring our dream to life through service, nature, and community. Every hand makes a difference, every act becomes a seed of lasting good.

Invest
Support the Naeema Project — from clean-ups to fashioning gardens, help us realise our dream. We welcome donations and partnerships to build lasting change together.
Meet the Team
The Naeema Project was founded by a passionate team of three individuals united by a shared love for nature and meaningful change.
READY, GET SET, GO
Make a donation
The Naeema Project is a volunteer-led initiative dedicated to fostering community spirit and connection. To help launch the project, we are seeking initial funding to support a range of community-focused activities, including picnics, outdoor adventures, interfaith discussions, and recreational events such as walking, hiking, cycling, and canoeing.
All donations will go directly toward essential equipment and resources needed to kick-start these initiatives and serve the local community
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