This August, Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust are leading a unique free creative day- camp for young people aged 13-24. This wild day-camp is is made possible by ‘Stand for Nature Wales’, a Wales-wide project looking to empower young people to take action for nature and climate. The camp is funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery players and the National Lottery Community Fund through the Climate Action Fund.
Five whole days jam-packed with a variety of activities such as bug hunting, improvisation, creative writing, bird box making and wildlife recording! As if that’s not exciting enough, participants will work together to produce a show with a climate and wildlife theme that will highlight their experience during the week. The final result of this day-camp will be an exhibition, providing participants with a platform to share their passion for wildlife and amplify their voice about climate issues! A variety of artwork, which was created during the Wild Ideas events that have taken place across North Powys over the past two years, will also be displayed at the exhibition. The camp aims to spark a debate in our youth that moves us towards simple, community solutions that carry nature and Welsh culture into the future.
The camp is set to take place at The Willow Globe, near Rhayader, from Monday the 1st of August to Friday the 5th of August. The Willow Globe is an outdoor living theatre, surrounded by wildflower areas, woodlands, and many other magical hidden places that the participants can explore in their search for inspiration.
Participants will work closely with staff members from both Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, as well as creative director and actor, Ralph Bolland. In addition, some workshops will be led by writer and creative facilitator, Emma Beynon.
Silvia Cojocaru, the Stand for Nature Wales Community Officer for Radnorshire Wildlife Trust said: “Since working on this project we have discovered how overwhelming it can be to talk about the climate and the ecological emergencies. Through this camp we would like to give young people a platform and an opportunity to connect with the local wildlife and use that as inspiration. We, all can be inspired by nature. I would like to believe that this is a great chance for all the young people out there to materialise their imagination… and who knows, maybe inspire others.”
Dan Hodgkiss, the Climate Solutions Officer for Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust said: “Too often, the fate of our climate and its wildlife has been left up to today’s adults. This project is about allowing the adults of tomorrow, the ones who’ll have to live with the consequences, to speak. We can’t wait to hear what they have to say.”
Organisers say numbers are limited, and early booking is recommended. If you’re aged 13 and over, you can book via the Radnorshire Wildlife Trusts event page.
