The county’s largest conservation charity is hosting the YESS 19 (Youth Environment Summit Staffordshire) with an environment takeover at the Stafford Council Chambers on Thursday 11th April.

The event, which will be attended by local decision makers, community leaders and celebrity naturalist and BBC The One Show’s Mike Dilger, is part of the Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations. It will be the first youth environmental summit by any Wildlife Trust across the country. 

Young people aged between 11 and 25 are being invited to take part in the event, share opinions on crucial environmental matters, participate in workshops and meet local councillors, charities and businesses who work in the environmental sector. 

Later this year, the UK’s Environmental Act is being re-evaluated and a new Bill is to be introduced. The charity feels there has never been a more crucial time to get young people involved with having their say on the future of wildlife, wild places and the environmental issues that matter to help create a #WilderStaffordshire.

There will be five debates taking place during the event, covering topics such as plastic waste and recycling to climate change.

This event has been made possible thanks to kind support from Staffordshire County Council, JCB, Veolia, University of Wolverhampton, sben, Michelin, Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services (SCVYS) and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

Community and Youth Officer for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Nicola Lynes, said: “YESS is the first in a series of events throughout the year to celebrate the work of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust over the last 50 years.

“We want to make sure young people have their say on numerous environmental issues which affect our everyday lives and to give their opinions on the future of wildlife in our county.

“One of the most important parts of the debate is for the young people taking part to have fun and enjoy themselves, too. We want it to be a vibrant event where everyone is allowed to have their say. 

“Not only will those taking part gain and develop debating skills, they will be sharing their opinions on environmental issues that matter to young people in front of local decision makers and professionals in the environmental sector. It will also be a great networking event where they’ll get the chance to meet some influential people from across Staffordshire.”

Schools and individuals can sign up to register for the event here https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/events/2019-04-11-youth-environmental-summit-staffordshire-2019