Spread the Word is pleased to be part of Nature Nurtures, a new cross-sector project led by London Wildlife Trust in partnership with Black Girls Hike CIC, London Youth and us at Spread the Word. The project will be a whole host of exciting opportunities for young people aged 16 – 25 from communities underrepresented in the nature conservation sector, that link natural heritage with creative arts to get more young people volunteering and taking action for nature. Nature Nurtures will also be an opportunity to explore themes of wellbeing, identity & cultural heritage within the environmental sector.
What’s on offer?
Over the next two years, Nature Nurtures will offer:
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Practical nature conservation training and volunteering for young people on London Wildlife Trust nature reserves across the capital;
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Creative writing and media workshops (including photography, spoken word poetry, art and creative writing) with Spread the Word’s guest artists;
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Wild Wellbeing Walks – including guided walks, mentoring and walk leader guidance for young people led by Black Girls Hike CIC;
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Training and skills development opportunities such as OCN accredited training in Youth Leadership, led by London Youth and Volunteer management training led by London Wildlife Trust.
Who is the project for?
London Wildlife Trust and partners will work to inspire young people from underrepresented communities in the nature conservation sector, to get involved in the protection and promotion of London’s natural heritage with the overall aim of making nature more inclusive, accessible, and relevant to them.
Specifically, this project will focus on young people from Black, Asian, and Minoritised Ethnic heritage, young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and those who live in socio-economically disadvantaged areas of London.
Nature Nurtures is supported by funds awarded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, via the Volunteering Futures Fund distributed by Arts Council England.
Upcoming Opportunities
Throughout Summer 2022, Spread the Word and London Wildlife Trust are running three free taster workshops for 16 – 25 year olds that offer exciting opportunities that link nature with creative arts to get more young people volunteering and taking action for nature. Workshops are free! No experience is necessary. There’s even a buddying opportunity – if you’re feeling nervous about attending on your own, you can connect with one of the team in advance of coming along!
1. Nature Nurtures: Explore Nature & Poetry Writing
Saturday 9 July 2022, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Camley Street Natural Park, Kings Cross
FREE
Morning: Get ACTIVE in Nature: Explore Camley Street Natural Park, learn about its wildlife & get stuck in with seasonal nature conservation tasks on the nature reserve.
Afternoon: Afternoon – Get CREATIVE with Nature: Poetry writing with poet and writer,Theresa Lola, former Young People’s Laureate for London.
More info and book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-nurtures-explore-nature-poetry-writing-tickets-362161674317
2. Nature Nurtures: Practical Conservation & Drawing from Nature
Saturday 30 July, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Camley Street Natural Park, Kings Cross
FREE
Morning: Get ACTIVE in Nature: Explore Camley Street Natural Park, learn about its wildlife & get stuck in with seasonal nature conservation tasks on the nature reserve.
Afternoon: Get CREATIVE with Nature: Drawing in Nature Illustrator Woodrow Phoenix will help you get your eyes and hands in sync with some simple steps for drawing what you see.
More info and book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-nurtures-practical-conservation-drawing-from-nature-tickets-366795062907
3. Nature Nurtures: Explore Nature, Conservation & Photography
Saturday 27 August, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Walthamstow Wetlands
FREE
Morning: Get ACTIVE in Nature: Explore Walthamstow Wetlands, learn about its wildlife & get stuck in with seasonal nature conservation tasks on the nature reserve.
Afternoon: Get CREATIVE with Nature: Led by photographer and travel content creator Melissa Legarda (@illumelation), this creative 2-hour workshop will explore nature through photography and dive deeper into our human relationship with the world around us.
More info and book now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-nurtures-explore-nature-conservation-photography-tickets-366820589257
Nature Nurtures is supported by funds awarded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, via the Volunteering Futures Fund distributed by Arts Council England. For more information please visit: www.wildlondon.org.uk/nature-nurtures
Image by Eleanor Church
Published 20 June 2022