Butterfly Conservation Launches First-Ever Youth Panel

Wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, has launched its first-ever Youth Panel, championing its mission to engage more young people with nature.

This groundbreaking initiative brings together 10 passionate young people aged 16-25 from all corners of the UK to help shape the future of butterfly and moth conservation.

The Youth Panel aims to break down barriers for young people to engage with nature and wildlife, and make butterfly and moth conservation more accessible. With less than 1% of Butterfly Conservation's current supporters and volunteers under 25, the panel is on a mission to inspire and engage the next generation of nature enthusiasts.

Following the lowest ever year for butterflies spotted in this year’s Big Butterfly Count, and the charity declaring a ‘butterfly emergency’, there has never been a more pressing time to take action for wildlife.

"We are seeing the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss at a scary rate right now, and we know that the next generation, today’s young people, will be hugely affected by this.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to have appointed our first-ever Youth Panel, and to give young voices a platform in the world of conservation. Their passion for nature is inspiring, and we can't wait to see the positive, fresh ideas they'll bring to the table, not just for us but for the wider conservation community as well."

Butterfly Conservation’s inaugural Youth Panel, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, brings together young people from various backgrounds, spanning the length and breadth of the UK, all united by their love of butterflies, moths and the environment. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives to the group.

“As a panel, we represent diverse backgrounds and experiences, which fuels our passion for equal and inclusive access to nature. We view each decision we make through an intersectional lens. This means considering all the different identities and backgrounds of young people so that everyone can benefit and feel included.”

Together, they will represent young voices at environmental events, create engaging content for social media, run workshops on youth inclusion in conservation, and develop new ways to involve young people in Butterfly Conservation's work.

From 28th October 2024, young people aged 13-25 can sign up for updates from the Youth Panel at butterfly-conservation.org/youth-panel.

For more information, visit www.butterfly-conservation.org or follow @savebutterflies on social media.