Author: Neve Bray.
The Young Explorers Project ran from April 2023 until December 2024. FWAG South West were asked to facilitate the Young Explorers Project on behalf of Dorset National Landscape (DNL).
The development of this project derives from DNL-led research which found that young people’s priorities in ‘accessing’ the Dorset National Landscape are:
- public transport
- local food
- activities & events
A report from Natural England titled ‘Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment. The national survey on people and the natural environment. Children and Young People report 2019 states that:
“13% of children under 16 and 5% of young people aged 16-24 typically never visit the natural environment or even spend any of their leisure time outdoors” and “18% of children living in the most deprived areas never visit the natural environment at all.”
Outcomes
The main objective of the project was to work with four cohorts of young people in different areas of Dorset to co-design a one-day event with local farmers.
- 8 separate youth groups were engaged with the project via co-designing or attendance at events
- Four host farmers were engaged in the project.
- Four events were designed and two events were delivered
- Over 20 adult volunteers took part in the events.
- Relationships were built between groups and local farmer which we hope will continue now that the project has ended.
What went well
It very quickly became apparent that there is an appetite amongst farmers to get involved with young people’s activities. There was a demand to be a ‘host farmer’, more than we could deliver within the timeframe.
We ran two successful events, with two being cancelled due to the weather and lack of attendance.
What did we learn from the project?
Getting the timing right
Two of the events were scheduled for Autumn/Winter 2024; this is not the ideal time of year to gain momentum with young people due to term time dates.
Promoting the events
Promotion via social media did not reach the correct audience as most ‘followers’ of FWAG SW are farmers and not young people. The promotion needs to be through schools and public departments which reach families and the public.
The type of event will directly impact on who attends. Getting young people into the countryside must incorporate what they want to do, not necessarily what is recommended for them. Examples of different event ideas suggested by young people include:
- Camp Out – tried and tested, great success.
- Movie – tried and tested, complaints at the type of movie, wanted 12+rating
- Silent Disco – tried and tested, great success.
- Farmer Pantomime
- Tractor Driving Experience
- Trailer Ride
- Axe Throwing – tried and tested, great success.
- Paintballing
Working with host farmers
The first event FWAG SW were involved in was hosted by Mr Foot with whom FWAG SW already has a relationship. As with another event, Mr Loudon has a very well-established relationship with FWAG SW and this made coordination much easier. The coordinator had prior knowledge of the workings and layout of both farms making planning easier. Having established working relationships with farmers seemed to correlate with the success of the events. For example, Mr Foot and Mr Loudon both proposed ‘wet weather’ alternatives, meaning the events could go ahead whatever the weather.
Engaging with youth leaders
An engaged youth group leader is essential for project success. Our two events were so successful because the youth group leaders were driving momentum.
Young People
In the end, the young people really engaged with the bat walk, the star gazing and the photography workshop. But they were equally as happy kicking a rugby ball across the field and playing tug of war.
Photo credits: Rob Nolan Photography