Young Roots
This youth-led project focused on the natural heritage of Brocks Hill Country Park, Lucas Marsh Local Nature Reserve, and other wildlife sites further afield.
NEWTs was managed by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust in partnership with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council. The organisations supported the young participants as they gained skills in wildlife surveying, safe tool use, habitat management and natural interpretation. They also coordinated several field trips, which proved to be very popular.
This fun, hands-on project was designed to encourage youth engagement with the environment. It also sought to increase volunteering opportunities, develop skills and confidence, reduce antisocial behaviour and promote a positive view of young people amongst the local community.
Participants achieved vInspired awards, the John Muir Discovery Award and the volunteering section of The Duke of Edinburgh Award. Their successes were celebrated at a public event attended by the deputy mayor. The young people also gained valuable, transferrable skills for the future, and produced written and digital outputs for the benefit of the wider community.