A SCHEME which sees young people empowered to take environmental matters into their own hands is celebrating a year of operation in Somerset.

Passionate young people aged between 12 and 24 have been campaigning for nature and educating themselves about wildlife as part of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s (SWT) Youth Forum.

Launched last year, 30 young people have taken part in events and got involved in creative activities as they learn more about nature and wildlife.

Siân Bentley, wilder youth officer at SWT, said: “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.”

Youth Forum members at Westhay Moor NNR

The forum, hosted by SWT and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, helps members connect with nature, visit nature-rich places and get involved in the environmental politics of Somerset and influence aims of the charity.

It 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 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.

Erica said: “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.”

And Rachel added: “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.”

Youth Forum members in the bird hide at Westhay Moor

Activities the group has taken part in include surveying and spotting wildlife with experts in the field, attending workshops, writing articles for local publications, co-designing and printing their own T-shirts, and helping to develop a brand-new Youth Strategy for SWT.

Those keen on wildlife photography have also worked with Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Communications Team to showcase their pictures online.

The forum also attended the Restore Nature Now protest in London, and co-hosted SWT’s general election hustings, and attended meetings with MPs to share concerns.

Siân said: “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 journaling and climate optimism workshops to look forward to.”

The Youth Forum is welcoming new members and young people between the ages of 12 and 24 can get involved. For more information, email sian.bentley@somersetwildlifetrust.org.