Inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders
Growing Confidence is an exciting project being delivered in collaboration with Fordhall Community Land Initiative and the Field Studies Council. Between us we are delivering a wide range of outdoor events and opportunities for young people aged 11 -24.
Why and how
Following the 2015 Paris climate change agreement, the UK's Big Lottery Fund through Our Bright Future invested £33 million in more than 30 organisations nationwide to give young people the skills and knowledge to improve their local environment. In doing so, young people will develop the confidence and resilience to become environmental leaders and influence decisions at local and national levels. This young, ambitious and capable movement will ensure this generation’s voice is heard in the current debates around environmental improvements and a resource-efficient economy.
Our partners
Working along side the Field Studies Council and Fordhall Farm we are delivering a programme of events, volunteering, placements, courses and school sessions.
Field Studies Council
FSC Preston Montford in Shropshire is an education charity providing day courses and residential opportunities for all ages. As part of the Growing Confidence project they are delivering specific activities and workshops in collaboration with us aimed at 11-24 year olds:
- Day courses including tailored natural history courses for those following in Charles Darwin’s footsteps.
- Residential courses: Further discovery and exploration into specific areas of conservation over a few days in the Shropshire countryside.
- Work experience placements: Find out what it is like to work at an environmental education charity and gain a better understanding of what they do.
Fordhall Farm
Fordhall Organic Farm, in Market Drayton, north Shropshire, is England’s first community-owned farm. Fordhall are working with small numbers of students who may be struggling to engage in the conventional education setting. They use agricultural and conservation activities to develop skills, confidence and self-esteem
Coming up
Along with FSC we have developed an exciting programme of online events during the summer.
- Question Time, monthly question and answer sessions with experts to explore current environmental issues in depth (dates and details below)
- Youth for the Wild, monthly social events, talks, career advice and training (dates and details below)
- FSC Preston Montford, Natural History training sessions, recorded in the field then published online each month, the next sessions published will be:
Wednesday 29th June - Exploring churchyards, botanical jewels in the landscape
Wednesday 26th August - Get Out, Get Arty!
To watch all sessions (including recordings of our Question Time events) visit our You Tube channel
Question Time online for 11 -24's - Population Matters: why and how?
Youth for the Wild online for 11 -24's - Careers: different routes into conservation
Get involved
Listed below are the activities organised by Shropshire Wildlife Trust for 11-24 year olds.
Please note these are currently on hold due to Covid-19 but if you would like more information or to be included on our mailing list, please contact Kat: KatH@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Practical work days
We hold monthly work parties every first Sunday of the month: 10am - 3pm. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain practical experience in the conservation sector. We visit special places across Shropshire undertaking activities such as coppicing, hedge laying and wildlife surveys.
Sessions are free and transport is available from Shrewsbury (or you can meet us at the site).
Work Experience
We offer school work experience placements for young people to find out what it is like to work for a conservation charity.
During the placement , students will have the opportunity to spend time with various teams at the Wildlife Trust and our partners, undertaking practical conservation work, surveys and communications work.
Youth for the Wild
A group of young people have come together with our guidance to take action for our environment. If you would like to be part of a forward thinking group, have your voice heard and help us hold our society leaders to account then please get in touch.
Youth for the Wild organises a range of social and 'forum' based activities throughout the year.
For teachers and lecturers
Both Fordhall Farm and Shropshire Wildlife Trust run an outdoor practical alternative curriculum with schools for those who struggle in the classroom, this allows pupils to develop more practical land based skills and build confidence and self esteem. We also:
- Attend careers fairs or talks
- Offer ecotherapy sessions
- Offer practical conservation days
- Offer Wildlife ID days
To find out more, please contact us.
