Keeping the connection
Somerset Wildlife Trust has a strong track record in delivering primary school environmental education programmes to teach children about nature, at a time when they are exploring and making sense of the world around them, in the hope that it will inspire and engender a love and appreciation that will stay with them in to adult life, informing their attitudes, choices and behaviours.
In contrast young people aged between 12 and 24 spend more time with their peers, and much of their learning and sharing, and influences, lie outside the spheres of family and school life. They are more mobile as an audience, and are engaging and learning about environmental and social issues through an increasing number of digital channels.
It’s critical that we develop and mobilise a movement of environmentally aware young people to stand up for natureHead of Engagement
Mya-Rose Craig - Rose Atkinson
Let's empower
It is important to us that we can provide ways for young people to retain – or find for the first time – connections to nature that empower them to make more informed, pro-nature choices, and play a more vocal and active role in protecting it as they go through their lives, whether that is in Somerset or if they go further afield.
We are at an early stage with our ambitions in this space, but have had many positive and productive conversations with a range of organisations across the county including Somerset’s Youth Parliament. But to be successful requires resources and, as such, we will look to secure funding to support this work.
However, if you are a secondary school, college, university, youth organisation or community group that is interested in talking to us about how we might work together, or how we might be able to add value to your existing activities, we would genuinely like you to get in touch. (Please note that we cannot satisfy standalone requests for class talks or visits).
Get in touch
Get in contact with our Head of Engagement, Jolyon Chesworth: