Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, ‘Our Wild Coast’ seeks to improve the lives and prospects of young people in North Wales by engaging them directly in activities that enhance coastal environments for both wildlife and local people. To date, nearly 500 young people have been involved in regular conservation activities since the project began in the summer of 2016, and between them they have contributed to the protection and creation of a huge variety of natural habitats across the region. This past year has been our busiest so far, with young volunteers racking up an incredible 1,806 individual volunteer hours in the past 12 months– that’s around 2.5 months of continuous, non-stop work to help protect and promote safe havens for nature!

We marked the occasion last Saturday with a celebratory event at the Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre. Nearly 100 young people, parents, teachers and youth workers gathered to share their experiences and to receive certificates and awards which recognise their achievements. Many of those who attended were presented with John Muir Awards, which recognise time spent exploring, protecting and sharing wild places. The fact that we presented more awards than ever this year shows just how committed this most recent cohort of young people has been to safeguarding wildlife and natural environments.

We are more aware than ever of the environmental challenges that we will face in the years to come, but it is inspirational young people like these who can give us hope for the future.

Stay up to date with the latest Our Wild Coast news and activities by following the project on Facebook (@OWildCoast).