The Scheme assists young people in creating deep, lasting and meaningful connections with the natural environment. Through this scheme young people learn and build skills which will help them contribute to the local community through environmental action.
The Carsington Junior Rangers, a group of 11-16 year old Green Influencers, have worked with The Babbling Vagabonds Theatre Arts Company to write and create a series of short films about bumblebees explaining why they are important and how we can help them.
These films will form part of a resource pack for children, which will also include an activity booklet about bumblebees. In addition, packs of compost and wildflower seeds will be provided to over 3,000 students across 20 schools in more disadvantaged areas of Derbyshire.
The purpose of World Bee Day is to recognise and acknowledge the positive impact of bees and other pollinators have on our ecosystem and a great day to launch this initiative.
The project ideas and plans were designed and created by young people who worked with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to apply for the funding. The Wildlife Trust have so far supported 58 Green Influencers in Derbyshire and is one of 37 Green Influencers Scheme Host Organisations supporting projects across England.
Diane Gould, Green Mentor at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said; “The young people are a joy to work with, they have such passionate environmental ideas and this funding will help them to be creative, as well as benefit from taking action and encourage others to do the same. This project is youth-led - the young people involved came up with the ideas and even wrote the funding bids. They will inspire schools across Derbyshire to join in and take action for wildlife.”
Jack Wood (Age 12) who is part of the group adds: 'Working on this project has allowed me to develop my wildlife interests further. Bees are so important and raising awareness of them is key to the environment and our future. It was great to work with people who think the same and have the opportunity to learn together'
The Junior Rangers will be at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations at Carsington Water on Sunday 22 May with a Bee Stand to get everyone buzzing!
