Calling all young aspiring environmentalists, scientists and communications professionals...
Surrey Wildlife Trust is looking for 16 to 18-year-olds who want environmental lobbying, scientific research or communications and media experience to join its free environmental Youth Summit on 28th March 2019. As part of a host of events to celebrate the Trust’s 60th anniversary, headline speakers include wildlife presenters Nick Baker, BBC TV, and Sophie Pavelle, TV and Instagram sensation.
2019 is a crucial year for the environment. Not only is the government working on the first Environment Bill in 20 years to develop new laws to protect wildlife and the natural environment, but it is also the Year of Green Action. And Surrey Wildlife Trust wants young people to have a stronger voice on environmental issues and learn how to lobby local MPs to demand a greener, more sustainable future, to prevent irreversible damage to our wildlife and the natural world.
Aimee Clarke, director of education at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: ‘This is a unique opportunity for students to lead an environmental campaign for Surrey schools and colleges and learn debating, lobbying, scientific research, communications and media skills. It will provide an understanding of the latest environmental thinking, cover native wildlife species under threat and at the same time enhance UCAS applications and CVs.’
Television wildlife presenter Nick Baker has travelled to the wildest parts of the planet in search of weird, bizarre and incredible creatures. He has worked with National Geographic, the BBC and the Discovery Channel to name just a few. He will be running a workshop, sharing his experiences and inspiring students to develop their ideas to create a campaign for six Pledges for Nature for schools and colleges in Surrey.
Forever intrigued by the natural world, Sophie Pavelle's love of wildlife, adventure and digital media has seen her work alongside The Wildlife Trusts, Countryfile Magazine, BBC Earth and BBC Springwatch. Sophie is especially keen on inspiring millennials and ‘Gen Z’, to get outside and stay curious about the natural world. At the Youth Summit, she will help students discover how to make the ordinary extraordinary through vlogs and social media. David Attenborough can't do it all so get your phone out and get going!
This event at Nower Wood near Leatherhead in Surrey is free of charge but booking is essential as spaces are limited. Schools are advised to book early to avoid disappointment as there is currently a limit of eight students, accompanied by one or two staff per school. For further information or to book your places email education.centres@surreywt.org.uk, call 01372 379509 or visit www.surreywildlifetrust.org/what-we-do/about-us/wild-60/youth-summit
