Youth voices need to be part of conversations about how we protect nature. If we want to make sure our wildlife is protected for years to come, we need to listen to young people's thoughts, knowledge, and opinions.
Our Youth Board is the voice of Suffolk’s young people. We empower our members to take action for nature, get involved with decision making, and campaign for environmental issues. It is also part of our ongoing commitment to a more diverse and inclusive culture at Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
Keep reading to find out more about our Youth Board members and the campaigns, projects, and workshops they've been busy with. Our Youth Board is not currently accepting new members, but check back into this page to find out when applications are next open!
Children are the voice of the future and I want to be heard.
Simply C Photography
Simply C Photography
Simply C Photography
What our Youth Board are up to this year
Find out what campaigns, projects and events the Youth Board are involved with this year.
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."
Youth Board 2022
Youth Board 2022 - Wilder Vision
Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Youth Board's vision for a wilder Suffolk
Campaigning
Downing Street Environment Act Petition
Megan and Charlie joined Youth Board members from other Wildlife Trusts at Downing Street to hand in a petition signed by 60,000 people calling for the UK government to include more ambitious nature recovery targets in the Environment Act. This was an inspiring day where young people from across the country came together to be a collective voice for nature.
“I’m proud to represent the voices of everyone concerned about the future of our natural environment and hope the government will take action now to recover biodiversity, before it becomes too late.” - Megan, Youth Board Member
Find out more about the campaign in this article
Defend Nature
The Youth Board got involved with the Defend Nature campaign by writing a postcard to their MPs asking them to make sure the government protects our local wildlife and landscape. Their messages were shared on social media to inspire other people in Suffolk to take action.
Chris Wood
Chris Wood
Chris Wood
Neil Geach
Malcom Farrow
Martlesham Wilds
Charlie and Anelie featured in the film to help raise funds to create Martlesham Wilds. The video was premiered at our 2022 AGM and shown to our Trustees and members.
Projects
Wilder Routes
The Youth Board created the Wilder Routes project to look at sustainable transport to Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserves. They created a survey to ask the public how they travel to our reserves. They attempted their own Wilder Routes to different reserves – using cycle and walking routes and public transport instead of cars.
The Youth Board plan to share their findings to help everyone choose sustainable options to get to our reserves, and to campaign for better public transport in Suffolk.