The Youth Action Panel (YAP) are a diverse group of 14-22 year-olds living along the River Thames who have an interest in nature and tackling climate change. The YAP was formed in September 2022 as part of the Greener Thames Project, which is a short-term project funded by the Green Recovery Challenge Fund. It aims to kick-start nature recovery through restoring habitats, creating jobs and connecting communities with nature along the Thames estuary.
YAP members volunteer their time for the RSPB while striving to learn about the environment and finding new ways to inspire other young people to take action for nature. Here you can discover the YAP’s journey and why nature is so important to them.
From events to conservation management, panel member Damaris shares what the YAP get up to: “We meet in person at RSPB Rainham Marshes, along with virtual meetings, where we organize events and talk about how to get more young people engaged with nature conservation.” There really is nothing like getting stuck in with practical conservation, and the panel provides individuals the chance to visit RSPB reserves. “We’ve undertaken conservation at Canvey Wick and Northward Hill nature reserves,” continues Damaris. “This has led to Canvey Wick setting up a new conservation group for young people in Essex!”
For many, the YAP is their first experience of undertaking practical conservation. Alfie explains why he loves it: “I have enjoyed learning how to use tools to be able to undertake conservation tasks. I’m a very hands-on person and enjoy seeing a positive outcome.”
Image: A member of the Youth Action Panel carrying out practical conservation work at Canvey Wick Nature Reserve. © Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
Being part of YAP provides young people with an opportunity to experience nature, as barriers such as travel costs, especially in urban areas, can restrict these opportunities. “As someone who grew up in London, weekend trips to the country park were an escape into the beauty of wildlife,” says panel member Zahrah. “I believe it’s essential that everyone has access to nature, and the YAP has shown me the positive impact that young volunteers can have on protecting it.”
Travel and time constraints formed part of the YAP’s discussions of barriers that young people face to accessing nature, along with the lack of ethnic diversity within the environmental sector, meaning there is a shortage of relatable role models. They also expressed how valuable coming together as a group of people around the same age from the local community was to them. “The Youth Action Panel is important to me because I get to join other young people that care about nature conservation, and I’m able to take an active part in shaping the future,” explains Damaris. “Providing conservation opportunities aimed at just young people is a good way to learn and share our passion about nature,” adds Max.
This love and desire to learn about the natural world is a common theme among the panel. “I believe it is very important for young people to be involved in nature,” says Rona. “We are the future and I believe that the future should be as green as possible. Being part of the panel has broadened my knowledge and understanding about nature too and what action we can take to preserve it.”
In the fast-paced modern-day world our connection with nature can easily be lost. “A lot of people, not just young people, don’t see nature as exciting or beautiful and therefore do not see it as important,” says Millie.
It’s something that the group are working on highlighting, but this can sometimes be a daunting task; the panel members, whilst picking up litter along the Thames Estuary, raised concerns over feeling powerless due to climate change and an uncertain future. However, this didn’t stop their ideas about how to inspire others about protecting nature. “I believe social media is so important in the fight against climate change due to its ability to change the minds of many people as well as provide education in such a quick and digestible way,” says Isabel. “Young people are the next generation and it is important that we are given a voice and a platform where the environment is placed at the forefront. What happens to the environment impacts us all.”
Layla agrees: “Joining the YAP has been a great opportunity to connect with others who are keen to get involved with local conservation efforts, but I'd really like to expand this by providing events and information via a range of social media platforms. This would mean young people are aware of groups and projects they can get involved with, fostering long-lasting friendships with others who have similar interests.”
“I believe the calling from nature is within everyone, people should be more aware of it as an integral part of humanity,” concludes Anna.
Image: A member of The Greener Thames Youth Action Panel developing practical conservation skills. © Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
If you’d like to make a positive change for nature why not volunteer? There are lots of opportunities available, including:
A huge thanks to the Youth Action Panel for the volunteering they are doing for conservation and raising awareness of nature for young people.
Discover nature reserves including RSPB Rainham Marshes, Northward Hill, and Canvey Wick
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This project is funded by the Government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.
Header Image: The Greener Thames Youth Action Panel. © Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)