Empowering the next generation of birders and environmentalists

Pip Newby

Lederman Trainee Ranger

Last month I was lucky enough to represent Sussex Wildlife Trust in assisting Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) with ringing birds at Hope Gap, on Seaford Head nature reserve. 

From a personal perspective, this was a great opportunity to witness the expert SOS bird ringers in action and to see a wonderful selection of birds (14 species including a Grasshopper Warbler) up close and personal. But the real privilege was to meet some of the young environmentalists who came along as part of their five day summer camps provided by Action for Conservation.

Action for Conservation is a charity dedicated to advocating for, and empowering, the next generation of conservationists and facilitating opportunities to connect with nature. AFC's mission is "To bring the magic of nature into young people's lives, inspiring a youth movement committed to conservation and to the earth". They do this through providing school and youth group workshops, off site visits, career mentoring, work experience and volunteer opportunities, and fully funded summer camps for 12-16 year olds across England and Wales, led by young conservation professionals.

The young people we met had already enjoyed bat detecting, moth trapping and star gazing, before being woken at 6am to join us at Hope Bottom! As well as watching the ringing, they engaged in discussions with Terry Hallahan and the SOS team about the process and benefits of bird ringing, the names, characteristics and migration routes of the different species, and those that wanted were able to release a bird once it was ringed.

If you are interested in the fantastic work of Action for Conservation, more information can be found on social media and on their website 

Also advocating for young environmentalists is SOS, the Sussex Ornithological Society, with the Young Birders' Support Scheme, which is offering up to to £500 worth of equipment, training, and more, for 16-25 year olds in Sussex. 

Visit the SOS website or follow the link here for more information from the Trust's own David Streeter Wildlife Champions Award Winner, Mya Bambrick.