Festival of nature celebrates launch of new youth programme

Festival of nature celebrates launch of new youth programme

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has announced a free day-long Festival of Nature for ages 11 – 25 in celebration of the launch of our new Wild Youth Action programme, aiming to introduce new ways for young people to enjoy and support Norfolk's wildlife.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has announced a free day-long Festival of Nature for ages 11 – 25 in celebration of the launch of our new Wild Youth Action programme, made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The event takes place on 16 November at Norwich Arts Centre and aims to introduce new ways for young people to enjoy and support Norfolk's wildlife through creative workshops, walks, presentations and panel discussions.

As well as creatives such as Limbik Theatre and Kaitlin Ferguson, the event will feature Climate Museum UK, broadcaster Amy Nomvula and wildlife expert and NWT Ambassador, Nick Acheson.

Two young people with long brown hair and wearing waterproof coats are holding a tree stump and some rope, as they work to build a fence

Youth practical conservation session at Sweet Briar Marshes (credit: NWT)

Attendees will be invited to join nature walks departing from the Arts Centre and taking in wild corners of the city, enjoy talks from a youth-led panel tackling nature and environment topics they're passionate about and drop in to enjoy and create nature-themed artworks.

There will also be the opportunity to chat to Norfolk Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers to learn more about joining our new Youth Forum and team of young wardens, as well as other ways you can help Norfolk's wildlife.

Alex Day, Norfolk Wildlife Trust Senior Youth Engagement Officer, said: 'We know that young people have a real interest in looking after our natural environment and we get to witness every day the amazing benefits time in nature with others can bring.

'Thanks to support from National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we've been able to develop new opportunities for young people to make a difference and to experience the joy, friendship and sense of purpose that comes from being in nature and helping our wildlife thrive.'

A young person wearing protective goggles kneels by a tree stump and measures it with a tape measure

Youth practical conservation session at Sweet Briar Marshes (credit: NWT)

'To celebrate the launch of our new Wild Youth Action programme, we're welcoming ages 11-25 along to Norwich Arts Centre to find out how you can get involved in wildlife conservation, get your voice heard and be inspired by creative perspectives on nature and the environment in Norfolk.'

Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: 'We are so pleased to be supporting Norfolk Wildlife Trust's new youth programme and Festival of Nature. Thanks to National Lottery players, our funding will encourage a new generation to become custodians of the natural heritage around us.'

The free event takes place at Norwich Arts Centre on Saturday 16 November from 10am – 3.30pm. You are welcome to drop-in for as long as you would like, and no booking is required. Toilets (including gender neutral toilets), a paid bar and a quiet space will be available.

For more information, including the full programme, take a look at our event listing here.

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