Simply C Photography
Youth Board
Suffolk's young people need to part of conversations about the county's future. If we want to protect our wildlife and restore nature for generations to come, we need to listen to young voices.
Our Youth Board is the voice of Suffolk’s young nature-lovers. We empower our members to take action for nature, get involved with decision making, and stand up for environmental issues. It's also part of our ongoing commitment to create a more diverse and inclusive movement for nature in the county.
Children are the voice of the future and I want to be heard.
'Winter has come' - Youth Board Poem
A poem dedicated to our need to care for nature. Written by James, a member of our Youth Board.
'Finding Nature' - Youth Board Writing
An ode to the wonders of nature in prose and poetry by James from our Youth Board.
'Just a Tree' - Youth Board Poem
A moving poem about the life of an oak tree, written by Suffolk Wildlife Trust Youth Board member, Henry.
Meet the Youth Board
Megan
“The last year on the Youth Board has been an incredible experience, giving me the opportunity to meet other young people who share my interests in nature (especially birds) and the environment. Visiting London last summer, and being selected as part of the delegation to hand in the Environment Act targets petition to 10 Downing Street, has definitely been the highlight so far!"
Molly
“One of my favourite memories as a Youth Board member is when I attended the Annual General Meeting, and was able to meet many people with different expertise and interest in the Trust, as I felt I was able to learn so much.”
Anelie
“I particularly enjoyed being involved in surveying peoples opinions around transport routes to Carlton Marshes. It was good to engage with the local public and explain the work of Suffolk wildlife trust while helping visitors realise there are more sustainable routes to travel to Suffolk Wildlife Trust sites.”
Rowan
“The position has given me greater insight into the trust and the work that goes on to upkeep and provide the fantastic opportunities and landscapes. Being away from Suffolk as a student and scientific intern, my place on the board is a great way to maintain interaction with what is going on regarding conservation and environmental awareness in Suffolk. ”
James
“I love learning about how ecosystems work as well as educating people with interesting facts, and spending time watching and grounding myself in nature. I also write about interesting encounters with nature and do photography.”
Lydia
“When I’m older and I have a 14-year-old daughter of my own, I want Suffolk to have changed. I have a vision that would create attractive environments for our wildlife, that leads to a biodiverse and sustainable ecosystem.”
Hannah
“My vision for a wilder Suffolk is to create wildlife meadows and re-wild brown fields and land that is no longer farmed and to encourage the planting of more hedges to bring back wildlife.”
Henry
“Children are the voice of the future and I want to be heard. I am particularly passionate about preserving our remaining woodlands and wildlife corridors and also reinstating those that have been lost.”
Evie
“Since studying for my psychology GCSE I have become really interested in social influence and why we behave the way we do. I want to explore ways to make caring for and taking action for nature and climate the norm, particularly amongst young people.”
Felicity
"In one of my GCSE courses at school I have to create an entire portfolio of artwork based on the theme of animal conservation. Whilst conducting my research I have been mainly looking at deforestation and pollution and the lasting effect that it has on animals and their habitats."
Amy
"I am very interested in rewilding and creating safe homes for animals and spend many hours in my garden making habitats for animals. I enjoy walking and nature-watching in an AONB and feel very fortunate that I can experience this but hope more places can be protected."
Irene
"The present-day ecological and climate crises can seem overwhelming, and some lose hope in the face of these ‘doom’ situations. I believe that there is reason to hope – I am inspired by the conservation work expanding habitat diversity."