More than 60 participants took part in the Our Wild Future workshop, the first of its kind, at Gloucester Guildhall. The 16-30 year olds discussed their concerns and ideas for how the environment can be protected and how nature can thrive in the decades to come at the event organised by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

The topics covered included reducing plastic waste, increasing recycling and reuse, affordable public transport, making it easier to cycle in the county, and encouraging residents to work together to create wildlife-friendly neighbourhoods. The participants stressed that they would like to see the local media taking more interest in the environment and that schools can play a vital role in nurturing future generations to value nature. They also said that they want the government to listen to advice from conservation experts and for wildlife-friendly farming to be developed.

The best ideas put forward by the young people are being made into short films which will be shown to MPs and councillors.

"With them, we will take their concerns to local politicians and will make the case for a strong Environment Act, an idea that the government is already taking forward,” said Lorna.

Our Wild Future was free to attend and open to anyone aged 16-30 who lives, studies or works in Gloucestershire. A team of specialists were on hand to discuss ideas with the participants including:

• Simon Garrett, Head of Conservation Learning, Bristol Zoological Society
• Gareth Parry, Director of Conservation, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
• Peter Morris, Head of Public Relations and Communications, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
• Gemma Jerome, Project Manager, Building with Nature
• Lorna Fox, Head of Community Programmes, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
   

To become involved with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s campaign for a strong Environment Act, contact us on 01452 388888 or email us.

All photographs shown here are copyright of Kevin Fern.