Exchanging ideas: Intergenerational Action for Climate & Nature project

In April, the Grow Wilder Youth Leadership Group (YLG), Avon Wildlife Trust and Action for Conservation hosted the first exchange visit of the Intergenerational Action for Climate and Nature Project. Thanks to National Lottery players, the initiative has received over £870,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.

The visit took place at Grow Wilder and brought together YLGs and partners from the initiatives projects; Grow Wilder (Bristol), the Penpont Project (Wales) and Heartwood Project (Derbyshire). 

The exchange day was designed by the Grow Wilder YLG, with members Natalia and Jessica saying that “the aims of the day were to showcase the new nature site at Grow Wilder and share the process so far with visiting YLGs and project partners.”

Natalia and Jessica mentioned that this included “explaining our mapping process and research of the site’s history, alongside sharing changes we’ve made to the land already; our plans for the future; and how we’re involving the local community.” 

Intergenerational Action for Climate and Nature Project Youth Leadership Groups

Jessica said that alongside sharing the mapping process, “we spent the day exploring Grow Wilder through a treasure hunt and guided walk led by the Grow Wilder YLG. In the afternoon, we took part in ecological surveying; making a gathering space at the new site; and creating a collective artwork. We ended the day by celebrating together and making a cairn, where we each decorated a pebble to place on the cairn.”

When reflecting on the event, YLG member Natalia said that they “came away feeling more curious about identifying species currently living at the new site alongside what other YLGs are doing at their sites.” Natalia particularly enjoyed “spending time in nature and talking with other people who are interested in the same things, as well as learning fun facts from each other!”

YLG member Jessica shared that she “felt more motivated to continue learning more about identifying plants and getting to know the new site.” Jessica mentioned that the day helped her to “see the larger picture” and “have a better insight into what other YLGs are doing and how we’re all connected.”

YLG member Ezra said that he came away “feeling uplifted that it isn’t just the Grow Wilder YLG and that there are other groups of young people who have similar passions and ideas.” Ezra “felt like everyone was different but that we had one passion that connected us”. 

As part of the 3-year project, there will be opportunities for groups to continue visiting each others’ sites and the Grow Wilder YLG can’t wait to explore the Penpont Project and the Heartwood Project!