Page 22 - Wildlife News April 2015

“I just want to
open people’s eyes”

What does the next generation of conservationists think? Eleanor Church
meets three young stars working for The Wildlife Trusts

Sorrel Lyall, 16

Volunteer and birdwatcher
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust

I’m a very keen birdwatcher and I do My aim is just to open people’s eyes
wildlife photography and art as well. I to what is out there. Even in
go birdwatching with my Nottingham, we have peregrines. I’ve
grandparents all over Britain – Norfolk, seen them from school.
Scotland, Lancashire, Devon – lots of
different places! I had an amazing The general decline of many species
encounter here at the Attenborough is very worrying but it’s also that
Reserve a few years ago with bitterns there’s a disconnect between people
and water rails out on the ice – I’ll and nature. The fact that it’s not
never forget that. I really enjoy simple normal to be a birdwatcher or show an
wildlife encounters, even just with interest in wildlife is a real problem
common birds and animals. and needs addressing.

I try and promote awareness of I’m hopeful for the future though.
wildlife at school. I have a display There are lots of young people in
board and I run a club. I also help at Britain interested in wildlife and we’re
Wildlife Watch, working with young going to get more people interested
children in my area. We go to the and preserve the natural world.
woods or a park and show them the Wildlife will be very important in my
wildlife, and help them engage with career path. It’s what I love, and the
the natural world. chance to turn a hobby into a career.
I’m really looking forward to that.

Eleanor Church

22 Wildife news: national