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Young people across Somerset taking matters into their own hands for nature

Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Youth Forum celebrates a year of empowering young people to make a difference for nature, wildlife and climate.

Passionate young people aged between 12 – 24 have been campaigning for nature and educating themselves about wildlife as part of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Youth Forum, which has now been up and running for an entire year. Since it was launched in 2024, 30 incredible young people have been taking part in exciting events and getting involved in creative activities as they learn more about nature and wildlife. Now celebrating its one-year anniversary, Somerset Wildlife Trust is delighted to highlight the achievements of the forum and acknowledge the dedicated young people who have been giving up their time to support nature. 

The forum, which is hosted by Somerset Wildlife Trust and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, supports its members to connect with nature, visit nature-rich places, get involved in the environmental politics of Somerset and have a voice within the charity. The Trust has been encouraging young people to take action for nature in a way that works for their communities, choosing how to spend their own budget and deciding which activities and experiences they would like to take part in. Over the past year, the forum has taken a broad approach to wildlife conservation, and members have been empowered to pursue their own interests in the area. As well learning practical conservation skills, they have taken part in creative workshops and have been involved in campaigning and advocacy.

Young people face a lot of barriers in the wildlife conservation sector. This project exists to remove those barriers and empower young people to connect with nature in a way that works for them. I’m so lucky to work in a team with these incredible young people and I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved in a year.
Siân Bentley
Wilder Youth Officer at Somerset Wildlife Trust
Six young people, members of the Youth Forum, at Westhay Moor NNR

The forum is co-chaired by members Rachel Hiscox and Erica Cox, who dedicate their time to chairing the forum alongside full-time work and education. Their responsibilities include helping to host regular Youth Forum meetups, which take place in different parts of county every two months and always include time outside to decompress and enjoy nature-rich areas of Somerset. 

Youth Forum co-chair Erica says, “I love being a part of the Youth Forum. It's great to meet other young people who are passionate about the environment and wildlife. Every meeting is different, but I feel like I learn so much and leave the meetings feeling positive about the future of the environment.” Co-chair Rachel adds, “I second everything Erica said. It's such a fun group of people and getting to have our own ideas of what we do makes sure everyone gets something out of it. I just want to say how much I love being part of this forum!” 

Throughout the past year, the forum has taken part in activities that have included: surveying and spotting wildlife with experts in the field, attending workshops, writing articles for local publications, co-designing their own t-shirt and logo and hand-printing the t-shirts, and helping to develop a brand-new Youth Strategy for Somerset Wildlife Trust. Those keen on wildlife photography have also worked with Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Communications Team to showcase their photography online. 

Four members of the Youth Forum, at the Restore Nature Now march in London

A notable highlight of the of the forum’s activities was attending the ‘Restore Nature Now’ protest in London, which was the biggest demonstration in British history to demand action for nature. Following the 2024 General Election, the young people also co-hosted Somerset Wildlife Trust’s General Election hustings, which involved speaking directly to elected MPs about nature and climate-related topics, and attended 1:1 meetings with MPs to share concerns about young people’s access to nature.

Siân says, “it’s been a fantastic first year for the Youth Forum, and we have so many more events and activities coming up in 2025, including a trip to a rewilding site and a marine biology themed forum day. The forum is keen to spot some rarer wildlife species too, so we’ll be trying to make that happen! They’ve also helped shape our youth events programme, so we have activities include nature journalling and climate optimism workshops to look forward to”.  

The Youth Forum is currently welcoming new members, and young people between the ages of 12 and 24 can get involved! If you are interested in finding out more, email sian.bentley@somersetwildlifetrust.org. You can also find out more about the project here and follow the Trust’s Wilder Youth Instagram page: @wilderyouthswt 

This work is part of Wilder Communities 30x30, a 3-year project from Somerset Wildlife Trust, which is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and made possible thanks to funds raised by National Lottery players. It was also supported in a public appeal hosted by Somerset Wildlife Trust in 2024, and the Trust would like to thank everyone who donated to the cause and helped to support the Youth Forum.

Editor's notes

Press Office

Emily Weatherburn | emily.weatherburn@somersetwildlife.org | 07840 840737   
Ben Neenan | ben.neenan@somersetwildlife.org | 07548 764279  

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About Somerset Wildlife Trust

Somerset Wildlife Trust is a nature conservation charity. Its purpose is to restore and protect the populations of species across the county and the habitats they call home. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to nature, natural habitats and the ecosystems that support our life on earth.  Our aims are to help address both the ecological and climate crises and put nature back into people’s lives.   

Nature reserves and protected sites on their own are not enough. In order to reverse the decline in species diversity and abundance, and create resilient landscapes and habitats for wildlife and for people that can adapt to climate change, we need to:    

  • Encourage and support landowners to manage their land positively for nature; create more space for nature.   

  • Connect wildlife-rich spaces across the wider landscape to create a robust Nature Recovery Network for Somerset.   

  • Create a movement of people – at least 1 in 4 – that take action for nature’s recovery across Somerset as part of Team Wilder.    

This is at the core of our new 10-year strategy. Nationally the Wildlife Trusts are calling for at least 30% of land to be managed positively for nature by 2030. What we do in Somerset must contribute to that national ambition. You can read our full 10-year strategy, Wilder Somerset here.  

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