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
What's on this Autumn
We have an exciting programme of events planned this Autumn, a mixture of online and face to face meetings (restricted numbers)
If you are considering an environmental career, are concerned about local environmental issues or just want to meet like minded people then come along. It is great for learning about local wildlife, habitats and building new skills to add to your CV!
You can discover what is coming up below and by looking at our whats on pages.
Over the summer we have run a series of online events, covering careers advice and hot environmental topics, these are now available to re-watch on our You tube channel
Follow the Growing Confidence project!
Practical work days
Make your weekends wild!
Every first Sunday of the month we run practical conservation days across Shropshire, giving 11 -24's the opportunity to learn conservation skills, whilst discovering more about the wildlife and habitats of Shropshire.
You can find details of these events on our whats on pages, for more information and to book contact: TomRJ@ShropshireWildlifeTrust.org.uk
(Please note there will be restricted places and all sessions have been Covid-19 risk assessed)
Youth for the Wild
Youth for the Wild is organised by young people for young people, aimed at encouraging 11-24's to be more aware of the environment. Youth for the Wild sessions take place once a month in Shrewsbury and will involve social events, talks, training, careers advice and campaigning.
You can find details of these events on our whats on pages, for more information and to book contact: KatH@ShropshireWildlifeTrust.org.uk
(Please note there will be restricted places and all sessions have been Covid-19 risk assessed)
(c) Paul Hobson
Question Time (online)
Question Time is our series of online events. These talks take place once a month and will cover hot environmental topics, with a talk from an expert followed by an opportunity for questions and debating.
This is for anyone between the ages of 11 and 24, any where in the country, and takes place via Zoom.
You can find details of these events on our whats on pages, for more information and to book contact: KatH@ShropshireWildlifeTrust.org.uk
Question Time 11 - 24's - HS2 (online event)
Youth for the Wild 11 - 24's - Reabrook Ramble
Practical conservation day for 11-24's @ Llanymynech
Question Time 11 - 24's - Tree Town (online event)
Youth for the Wild 11 - 24's - Campaign kick off!
, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6AH
Practical conservation day for 11-24's @ The Ercall
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.
