This spring marked an exciting moment for the Trust as we welcomed members of our new Youth Advisory Board cohort to our first in-person residential. Bringing together young people and staff from the Trust, the gathering created space for honest conversations, fresh perspectives and ambitious thinking about how youth voice should influence our work going forward.
Our Youth Leadership Programmes Manager, Robyn Riddoch, shares more:
A couple of weeks ago in the Derbyshire countryside, some magic sparked. On our first in-person meeting and residential for our Youth Advisory Board (YAB), six young people came together to meet, learn and start their journey as Board members.
As much as I could say about the weekend, I’d rather share some thoughts from them about their reflections from our time together.
For some, the weekend was an introduction to the Trust and the work we do – opening a new mindset:
I really enjoyed this weekend. I learnt a lot about the Ernest Cook Trust. The managing land masterclass has been really insightful. I actually had no idea how much land they owned and about the farmers. I really enjoyed walking around nature, like a little hike. I keep telling myself that I will make time and do it and I never do.
…I landed at London Heathrow at 4pm on Saturday and I had a choice to make: do I go home and sleep or go somewhere new, someplace unfamiliar? I decided on the second option and I’m glad I did! My family think I’m crazy. I helped in the kitchen (made a cheeky salad), learnt a lot, met a lot of new people. I am so glad I said yes!
Others are already reflecting on what comes next, with an energy and enthusiasm that is contagious:
This weekend has been a lovely opportunity to meet like-minded young people with so much variety of lived experience and bonds to nature….at no moment have I not felt grounded or calm or safe. It’s been a constant connection to nature and to one another. I’m extremely excited about what comes next, passing on our thoughts, feelings and ideas to those who weren’t able to come this weekend.
…I think this is a real opportunity to reinvigorate the significance of how we are all so different and yet nature is always our home.
…We can’t sit around and wait. And as the YAB I get the sense we’re ready to make a change right here, right now. My relationship with land ownership and farming will be challenged in the process. I can’t wait!
And everyone agreed that the shared learnings gave them an energy and momentum to take forward:
I really enjoyed this weekend. I learnt a lot, I felt inspired, I felt energised, I am leaving with memories and IDEAS
And to end with, a poem from one of our young people about the weekend.
Be lost, you’re free.
Notice the changes, it happens gradually!
Somewhere you lived a long time ago
Be with it now before it goes.
