This Wednesday 9 July, a group of 17 young people will take the first step on their journey as wardens at Norwich City Council-owned Sloughbottom Meadows in Norwich. 

The 16–25-year-olds are all members of our new Youth Forum, which launched earlier this year with the aim of giving young people the opportunity to shape the future for Norfolk's wildlife.  

The new young wardens will work together with wildlife experts during monthly sessions to plan and deliver conservation activities on the site, creating a new wildlife-rich space in the centre of Norwich, right next door to our Sweet Briar Marshes nature reserve.   

Regular tasks will include cutting and raking grass from the wildflower meadows to help orchids thrive, improving the on-site woodland for wildlife through coppicing and inspecting trees, and installing dead hedges and bat boxes. 

The wardens will also help to improve the accessibility of the nature reserve for the local community. This will include maintaining paths and removing litter as well as planning and installing new information boards. 

The new initiative is part of a wider £240,000 programme which aims to help us engage new audiences with nature, made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.  

Alex Day, our Senior Youth Engagement Officer, said: ‘The future of our natural world depends on the next generation of wildlife guardians, and it’s vital we support young people to get involved in nature conservation in Norfolk.  

‘Thanks to support from National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re excited to be pioneering this new youth-led nature reserve – hopefully the first of many! Our young wardens will be able to get outdoors, learn new skills and make decisions to help wildlife and people in Norwich and all whilst enjoying the amazing benefits of being outside in nature together.’ 

Youth Forum member and new young warden at Sloughbottom Meadows, Jade, says: ‘Conserving Sloughbottom Meadows is vitally important to the natural ecosystem of Norwich. Green spaces are already reduced in city areas, and yet they help to reduce the impact of pollution, improve mental health, and build stronger communities. It is a privilege to work with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust to protect it. I wanted to be part of a bigger community that is aiding our environment and our planet's future and by joining Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Youth Forum I have achieved that.’ 

Through regular activities and get-togethers, Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Youth Forum members also attend and organise wildlife events, have a say in our work and lead community nature projects and campaigns. Members represent all skill levels, and we provide lots of opportunities for members to learn from its staff and volunteers.