Joanne Raff, RSPB’s Youth Group Development Officer, celebrates 80 years of RSPB Youth Groups, revealing how they began, what they offer young people today, and how you can help them flourish and save nature for another 80 years.
Did you know that the RSPB has a network of youth groups across the UK? Why do we ask this? It is surprising how often we come across people who are not aware of them!
Our youth groups are celebrating their 80th birthday this year so they have been around for quite some time and we want to shout out about them!
It all began in 1943 when the Junior Bird Recorders’ Club was launched for 14–17-year-olds and membership cost one shilling per year. This club had 550 members. In 1955 the club launched a black and white magazine called The Junior Bird Watcher, and in 1979 the club launched the first ever Big Garden Birdwatch, with a special slot on Blue Peter. This annual event to count garden birds is now open to all ages and has become the world’s largest citizen science project, providing a valuable snapshot of how our birdlife is faring. By 1980 the club had 100,000 members and had the world’s biggest wildlife youth membership.
Photo above: Archive Photo (black and white) members of the Yorkshire RSPB Young Ornithologists Club, by RSPB
Our youth groups are led by committed volunteers and aim to inspire and engage young people to deepen their love of nature and, through this, motivate them to take action for nature and have a meaningful impact in their local communities. Our young members are champions and ambassadors leading the fight to save nature, while having a lot of fun at the same time.
Photo above: Young members of Wildlife Explorers youth group pond dipping, by Richard Revels RSPB
However, there are many areas of the UK that currently do not have a youth group. We want every young person to have the opportunity to access an RSPB youth group. Whether they live in a rural or urban area, we want them to discover nature on their doorstep and be inspired to give nature a home!
We are looking to expand the number of members in our two age categories: Wildlife Explorers (8-12 years) and Phoenix (13-18 years) groups.
To achieve this, we need more inspirational leaders so that we can set up more youth groups and in turn provide opportunities for more young people.
Photo above: Children identify fungi at RSPB Boston Youth Group
How can you help? You could spread the message for us!
RSPB youth groups generally meet once per month (some take a break for one month of the year).
We provide support and assistance to our leaders as well as having a large database of nature-based activities to help our youth groups create an exciting and engaging programme of activities and this is continually updated by a very dedicated specialist volunteer.
Photo Credit: Children at Kingsbury Kingfisher RSPB youth group share their hopes for the next 80 years.
But don’t just take our word for it! Here are some words from an assistant leader who recently joined our network:
“I wanted to say thank you for the opportunity to join the RSPB team as assistant team leader. This is an incredibly exciting prospect for me, and I am truly thrilled to be a part of such a brilliant and dedicated group of individuals.
“The prospect of working alongside professionals who are equally passionate about conservation is both inspiring and motivating. I am eager to immerse myself in the team's projects and contribute to the invaluable work that the RSPB is known for.
“Furthermore, I believe that being a part of the RSPB is not just a short-term opportunity, but a stepping stone towards a long and fulfilling journey in my career. I look forward to working with the children, learning from my colleagues, and making a positive impact on the environment we all care deeply about.
"Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity."
Photo above: Children at Sutton Courtenay Kites RSPB youth group share nature inspired artwork
Perhaps you know a young person who would love to join our youth groups, or an adult who would enjoy the experience of joining us as a volunteer leader. If you do, or want to know more, please do get in touch with us at YGSupport@rspb.org.uk
RSPB youth group leaders are all voluntary positions, subject to DBS checks and the RSPB’s safe volunteer recruitment processes.
Note: As an organisation that works with vulnerable people, whether children or at-risk adults, the RSPB acknowledges its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable people. It is committed to ensuring its practices reflect statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and regulatory requirements wherever the RSPB operates as a charity.
Photo above: Children at Kingsbury Kingfisher youth group celebrate 80 years of RSPB youth groups.