Young People's Forum

Aaron

Hi, I'm Aaron the Chair of the Forum and I'm a zoology student which is a pretty niche course, so I'll explain how that came to be. I am and have always been fascinated with animals and the natural world. I can remember even in early childhood my eyes were glued to any nature documentary and even being excited to receive animal books as gifts.

So, for me I was over the moon to find out there was a way to get involved with nature in my local area and I jumped at the opportunity. Since joining the Forum, I've had the opportunity to explore a lot of my different interests like ecology, science, communication, public speaking, and content creation through different events and days out at meetings and so much more.

Alfie

Like everyone on the Forum, I am passionate about nature and the outdoors. I think that in order for our planet's twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss to be addressed successfully, humans desperately and urgently need to be reintegrated with nature. To include everyone in this reintegration, no matter their identity, these efforts need to start at the local level. I hope that by working as a member of the Youth Forum, I can contribute to projects that aim to make everyone in my area feel welcome in nature. I am particularly enthusiastic about wetland habitats and the role of our counties' wetlands in storing a globally significant quantity of carbon while having a massive impact on local biodiversity and human wellbeing.

Callum

The natural environment has always been a source of great interest to me. I have loved the outdoors since before I can remember, and this has evolved into a deep interest in meteorology, environmental issues and conservation. I'm looking forward to working with other young people with similar interests to tackle environmental issues on my door-step. I'm sure that the Young Peoples' Forum will be a wonderful platform for communicating environmental issues to other young people in the community. 

Eloise

Hi, my name is Eloise, I'm sixteen years old and I take Biology, Environmental science and Politics at college. I believe that the best way to relax, have fun or do anything really is in the wild, surrounded by nature. My favourite memories from holidays or when hanging out with friends have always been outdoors. I enjoy hiking, camping and cooking in nature and I hope that future generations can enjoy those activities too. I think it is important to maintain a balance between a practical hands-on approach and the political, logistical side of things just like it's important to rectify the imbalances we as humans have created on our planet.

Harrison

I’m passionate about wildlife and protecting habitats and have been going to The Wildlife Trust groups for many years. I wanted to join the Youth Forum to help find ways to engage other young people in conservation. I also want to work to make the countryside accessible to all, especially for those with disabilities.

Ionathan

I have been crazy about the UK's wildlife from a very young age. My specific interests are in invertebrates and birds - I volunteer by running a regular moth survey from my back garden and invertebrate surveys in a local SSSI. I am also a keen wildlife photographer, taking photos of the nature I see around me. Being part of the Young People's Forum has been an amazing opportunity to meet fellow young environmentalists as well as taking meaningful action to protect our environment.

Kayleigh

Hi, my name is Kayleigh and I am 23 years old. I have been given the opportunity to step into the role of Treasurer/Fundraising Officer within the Young People’s Forum Committee. Unlike everyone else in the forum, I am pretty new and inexperienced when it comes to exploring and understanding wildlife. The inspiring members of this forum, the hard work they have put in to increasing visibility of the local wildlife community and issues that we can help support, has been the main reason that pushed me to get involved. I have experience in project management, meaning I hope to bring project delivery, budgeting, schedule management and communication skills to the younger members of the forum. We hope to have many successful projects and fundraising events and to get as many people involved as possible.

Lilly

Hi I’m Lilly and I’m currently in sixth form studying to one day work within environmental science or environmental law! I absolutely love being out in nature and striving for the protection of it around the world seemed like second nature to me. I particularly love autumn due to all of the mushrooms and I’m currently going through a bit of a fungi phase. 

After struggling to find anyone my age that enjoyed anything similar to me, I finally came across the Wildlife Trust and its young people’s forum. I absolutely love taking part alongside everyone since it helps to encourage and motivate me to learn more about nature and grow my love for wildlife.