IN the midst of the ecological crisis, wildlife conservation organisations in the UK need to embrace and encourage diversity in the movement.

Making an effort to include groups that have historically been excluded is a positive move for people and wildlife: more people will be supported to connect to and value nature on their terms, which will lead to a stronger united voice in the fight for nature.

Young people are one of the groups underrepresented in the field, and a group that promise to bring a new energy, creativity and sense of urgency to the sector.

Whilst activities like birdwatching and practical conservation volunteering are currently more popular with older generations, there is growing youth involvement and interest in enjoying and conserving the UK’s wildlife.

Recently, various environmental organisations have championed youth voice in their work.

Examples of these include The National Trust’s spring blossom social media campaign featuring @OutsideWithLira/@GetWildWithLira, a Wildlife Trust reserves officer and content creator ‘making nature cool’, or the British Trust for Ornithology’s ‘BTO Youth’, a five-year strong youth voice project empowering young birders to have a voice within the charity.

UK Youth 4 Nature is a youth-led wildlife and nature movement mobilising young people to call for ‘decisive action’ on the ecological crisis and lobby through creative projects.

Recently, Somerset Wildlife Trust have established a Youth Forum for ages 12 to 24.

Young people on the forum will be empowered to have a voice within the charity and the environmental politics and policy of Somerset.

Their existing skills and interests will be supported, whilst also having opportunities to grow and learn.

The scope of what forum members can get involved in is big and chosen by the group themselves.

If you’re a young person in Somerset who dreams of a greener, wilder future, get in touch!

sian.bentley@somersetwidlife.org | Instagram: @wilderyouthswt