We are privileged to meet and engage with people of all ages at the Wildlife Trust – through our events, volunteer groups or just as we go about our days out on reserves. As a Communities and Education Officer, my work often focusses on providing exciting opportunities for young people aged 11-25. And I love it!

Some arrive keen to meet other like-minded teens, others are aspiring ecologists, or students completing their DofE awards or work experience and, for some, they might have been ‘made to join’ by their parents... no matter the reason, these sessions are often the highlight of any week. It could be the first time they’ve used a saw, seen a dragonfly, held a moth or heard a cuckoo, but it’s often the first time of many and drives a desire to learn more. 

These young people are the future of conservation and it’s always encouraging to meet so many who really care about wildlife, the environment and our impact. But we still need to reach more for nature to have a fighting chance. To persuade more to swap screen time for green time. To take action in ways that suit their unique skills and passions and their circumstances.  

We have been busy arranging a programme of events which aims to provide young people, from across our three counties, with the opportunity to access nature and connect with others who share their passion for the natural world.

And there is an exciting summer ahead!

Following the success of our first Youth Week in 2024, this year it is back, bigger and better! Behind the scenes museum tours, a trip to London’s Wetlands, hunting for rare butterflies, a private screening of the Beaver Trust’s film (Balancing the Scales), nature journalling, an intro to invertebrates workshop, a pizza party... these are just some of the exciting things planned!

Youth Week 2025 will run from Saturday 8th to Sunday 17th August, and this is in addition to many other family events running through the summer holidays.

All events will be available to book via our website, with many being free thanks to the Great Fen’s Peatland Progress Project and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

The opportunities don’t stop there though, and I’m honoured to work with both…

The Young People’s Forum

Made up of passionate and inspiring 13–25 year-olds from our three counties. With such a diverse group of young people, there are many individual interests including moth recording, helping hedgehogs and protecting our peatlands. Then there are some bigger topics which the group share concern for; river pollution and chalk streams, climate change myths/misinformation and politics.

Youth Rangers

Across our three counties, we also have a number of Youth Ranger groups for 11-17 year-olds. Sessions vary depending on location and season, but all of them provide an opportunity to develop practical conservation skills, gain new ecological knowledge, meet new friends, and make a positive difference locally, for free.

Recently our Youth Rangers of the Fens joined the annual orchid count at Upwood Meadows. We were so pleased to receive this message from one parent - ‘A… had a great day at the orchid count. Her geography teacher even sent me an email about her enthusiasm as she'd shared what she'd been up to - so thank you again to you and your colleagues!’

Spread the word!

We hope you’ll share these opportunities with your friends, family and neighbours, tell your school, youth or community groups. The more young people engaging with nature now, the more chance there is of there being nature for other generations to enjoy too!