The three-year project, which started in 2024, is also providing traineeships to young people under 25 in nature conservation and public engagement, helping them kickstart green careers.
It’s a partnership between the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire and Luton Borough Council.
The trainees are helping to deliver hands-on events to inspire people in Luton to take care of nature. Some of the project’s activities are:
- practical skills sessions for Youth Rangers (young people aged 12-17), including conducting citizen science to survey plant and freshwater species
- assemblies, workshops and site visits for local schools to inspire young people to care about nature and involve them in improving biodiversity on school grounds
- training to teach heritage and nature conservation skills like controlling invasive species, hedge-laying and green woodworking
This project aligns with Luton 2040’s goals to enhance green space and biodiversity, recognising that helping people get involved in caring for natural heritage around them boosts wellbeing and local pride.
Wilder Luton also responds to barriers faced by young people, who can struggle to enter nature conservation careers. By providing paid entry-level roles, it enables those without the financial resources to volunteer to build experience on the job. Local organisation Youth Network is also supporting the trainees.
Aaron Matthew, a Wilder Luton trainee, said: “I am filled with pride about what we’ve accomplished during the traineeship. This role has helped me see that community engagement around nature is a field I’d like to work in. I’ve been empowered by the knowledge, experience and skills I’ve gained in my traineeship.”
