CHELMSFORD: Green youngsters make flying start

TREE planting, creating wildlife gardens and campaigning for improved recycling are among the activities planned by a group of youngsters to make an impact on the environment.

At a forum held at Chelmsford's Central Baptist Church, members of impACT, a youth-led organisation dedicated to increasing young people's awareness of environmental issues, put forward ideas for the coming year.

Project manager Jonathan Barker said: "The aim is for people aged 11 to 18 to learn, protect, preserve and have a positive impact on the world we live in, starting in the local area.

"Supported by the Wilderness Foundation UK and funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the group runs a range of environmental projects and activities across the district.

"These include practical conservation, school groups, art and design projects and issue-based projects on key subjects like climate change, biodiversity, local food production, pollution, and parks and green spaces. We also support community allotments.

"At the forum the group discussed projects such as tree planting, creating wildlife gardens, lobbying on improved recycling across the district, gaining eco-schools accreditation and using video and photography to draw attention to environmental issues around the district.

"In the past the group has participated in local preservation work, notably on the Chelmer Valley riverside local nature reserve, and the Marconi Ponds, situated in Central Park.

"Members of impACT have also helped organise and run numerous projects at schools across Chelmsford.

"This project will empower and engage young people to make a positive impact on their local communities and environment, and have fun along the way."

To join the group email impact@ wildernessfoundation.org.uk