Just like everyone lately, I’ve been really excited by the spring sunshine and wanted to spend some time outside and amongst nature.
However, as a regular walker and beach goer, I’ve exhausted the routes near where I live in Hedge End, so decided to head somewhere new! Through Action Hampshire’s evaluation of the Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) project, I had recently heard about Lepe Country Park. So, after a quick Google for directions, I put on my trainers and set off to my destination.
As I pulled up, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and I could hear the laughter of families having picnics, flying kites, and enjoying the beautiful nature the park had to offer. Along the beach there were different signs explaining the history of the site and what nature could be found there. My personal favourite were the pair of elegant swans that were also swimming in the sea behind me before flying off somewhere else.
I finished my walk with a much-needed ice cream whilst I sat on the beach and watched the boats sail past and different birds fly-by. All the different people and animals enjoying this space made me think of the YouCAN project and all the great work that has been happening in spaces such as Lepe Country Park. The YouCAN project aims to empower young people to work with their communities to make a positive difference to the climate and nature emergencies through activities such as litter picking, citizen science surveys, and internships that focus on nature-related skills. Over the past year, we’ve recruited four young people as volunteer community researchers to support our evaluation of this exciting project. They have undertaken case studies of project activities that relate to their interests and skills such as rhododendron clearing and the YouCAN Youth Board.
Through this opportunity they have gained skills in research and evaluation, as well as an insight into different opportunities related to climate and nature action.
We’re looking for more YouCAN volunteers!
Now we’re recruiting again for another cohort of volunteer community researchers aged 16-25 to undertake a case study of a YouCAN activity. This could involve undertaking interviews, observations, or creative activities to understand the positives and negatives of a project activity, then writing this into a one-page summary. If successful, community researchers would be expected to attend 1 training session in June/July, then attend an activity (like visiting Lepe Country Park) and write up their case study. This will likely take around 5 days in total, but time can be spread across as many days as needed to fit in with participants’ needs and other commitments.
By taking part, community researchers will develop key life skills needed for further or higher education, and employment and increase their understanding of the exciting world of evaluation and research! If you or someone you know may be interested, we’re hosting an online information call on:
Tuesday 29 April at 18:00
To register for this, you can contact Alison via alison.bridge@actionhampshire.org.
Already want to take part or know someone who would?
To apply to be a volunteer community researcher, please complete this short application form: Youth for Climate and Nature – Become a Community Researcher!
The deadline to apply is Tuesday 13 May at 17:00
We look forward to receiving all community researcher applications, chatting more about climate and nature, and hopefully having another evaluation trip to Lepe Country Park!
