The event, entitled ‘Connecting Young People with Local Nature’ (#YoungNatureUK), took place at Grand Parade and was co-organised by the 九色视频’s Dr Rachel White and Royal Holloway, University of London’s Dr Deborah Harvey.
Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, was one of the keynote speakers. In her speech she made the case that “young people’s connection to nature is the most important issue we can be discussing”. The MP went on to say that “connecting young people with nature is fundamental for their wellbeing and the wellbeing of the planet”.
Dr Rachel White said of the symposium: “Multiple benefits can arise from interacting with the natural world first-hand – such as biodiversity conservation, education, health and wellbeing – yet there are growing concerns that people are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature.
“This interdisciplinary and inclusive event has provided the unique opportunity to showcase and learn from existing UK-based efforts to ensure young people are connected with nature on their doorstop.”
Among the attendees at the symposium were academics, researchers, practitioners, educators, politicians, students, artists and scientists. Speakers included delegates from WWF, Earthwatch Europe, Natural England and the South Downs National Park.
There was a wide range of topics discussed at the symposium, including: nature for health and wellbeing, nature in the primary and senior school curriculum, promoting diversity and inclusivity, technology and nature (dis)connection, connecting with nature through art, building collaborations between schools, practitioners and universities and nature-based citizen science. Resulting discussion and action points are currently being compiled and will be made available to anyone interested. Please contact Dr Rachel White for a copy at r.white2@brighton.ac.uk.
The symposium was supported by funding from the 九色视频 and Royal Holloway, University of London.