#IWill project

The summer of 2019 saw the delivery of a fantastic project focussed on youth social and environmental action. We held several sessions where young people could work on practical environmental activities on a range of sites including chalk grasslands and the River Wye. They were trained to carry out a variety of tasks to assist in the management of these habitats and learned more about the history and ecology of these important places and how they could become more involved in helping to look after them.

The volunteers were challenged to inspire their peer group and others to ‘make a difference’ based on the theme I Can, I Have, I Will… The group then held a campaign day of information and inspiration, themed around building a connection to the natural world and how we all, especially young people, can take collective action to look after it. They gave out 50 eco-friendly goody bags and engaged in discussions with the public prompting a large number of #IWill statements of intent. We then had a day of practical work in the River Wye, clearing rubbish and learning more about this globally rare habitat and how the global and local link up – ‘think global, act local!’

A ‘Community Environment Day’ at Funges Meadow saw groups of young people and their families being able to explore this small urban nature reserve and learn about its importance for biodiversity. The final part of the project was a brilliant, and very full ‘Art and Conservation’ day at Kingsmead Recreation Ground. We worked on the upkeep of the hedgerow running close to the Wye, cleared rubbish from the river and its banks and with local artist Dan Wilson created amazing life-enhancing eco-themed art on previously unloved storage containers adjacent to High Wycombe RUFC pitches.

“Really well done, looks like it’s been a brilliant experience!” The Challenge – NCS

“A big thank you to John Taylor for making the environment day a fun and learning session for the groups” Cllr Mohammed Hanif

“A really lovely bit of work, thanks to all involved” High Wycombe RUFC

We were grateful for the support of Heart of Bucks, The Challenge – NCS, Article 12, Barnardo’s, the NHS, Wycombe High School, Dan Wilson @Decreate, Thames Water, WDC, BCC Communities, Cllr Mohammed Hanif, High Wycombe RUFC, and all of the volunteers and groups who joined in.