Much is made about young people disconnecting from nature, forgoing the outdoors in favour of TV screens and games consoles. But some are passionate advocates for the natural world. We meet four inspiring young people who are out in the field and on social media, giving nature a voice
Sorrel Lyall, aged 19 – Nottingham
“I love seeing animals and birds up close. It feels really special to look into the eyes of a creature, to share a moment. It was my grandparents that got me interested in nature. I remember trying to identify male and female blackbirds in their garden when I was small. They’d take me to nature reserves around the country and I’ve inherited their enthusiasm.
I’ve always been a birder mostly but I’ve started getting into moths, bees and dragonflies. And adore cetaceans: whales and dolphins. I was in Monterey Bay in California in the summer and about 2,000 long-beaked common dolphins came and surrounded the boat, as far as the eye could see. It was described as a mega pod. A humpback whale breached right next to the boat too. I won’t forget that for a long time.
It feels really special to look into the eyes of a creature, to share a moment
I’ve learned what to look and listen out for when I’m birding. Weather plays a big part, the direction of the wind as well. I love the seasons. It’s always exciting to see the first redwings and fieldfares of the year, and I love hearing the warblers sing in spring. I think waders have loads of character and they’re often really nice to draw as well. I do watercolour paintings and pencil sketches: it’s a great way to learn birds’ characteristics.
It was so stressful during my A-levels and getting out in nature was great for head space. I like cooking, walking and music too. I’d love to have a career in conservation. I’m going to The University of Edinburgh in September to do ecology and I’m using my gap year to get lots of experience, and to earn some money of course.
Our world is beautiful.
There’s a view that people my age spend too much time on their phones, but for me, my phone and technology are tools for capturing the moment and sharing it. There are definitely lots of young people getting interested in nature and conservation.
It’s depressing to read stories about climate change and declining biodiversity, but it doesn’t make me want to give up, it makes me want to do something about it. Young people understand what’s going on and want to help the problems that maybe some older people have partly created. I want to enjoy what’s here and get other people enthused about it.”
Sorrell’s website is www.sorrellyallwildlife.weebly.com She tweets as @SorrelLyall
Zach Haynes, aged 13 – North Yorkshire
“When I was about eight, I saw a starling murmuration at RSPB Leighton Moss in Lancashire. There were thousands and thousands of birds in the sky. When one moved, all the others did too in a huge wave. I had to wait hours, but it was so beautiful it was definitely worth it. It reminded me of fireworks.
My parents have always taken me out into nature – including in a backpack before I was able to walk. I love birds, owls and raptors (birds of prey), and insects and moths too.
Most weekends in the summer, I’ll put my moth trap out. There are so many types, shapes and sizes of moths it would take a lifetime to identify all of them. I love the hummingbird hawk moths – they’re huge and so interesting.
I had to wait hours, but it was so beautiful it was definitely worth it. It reminded me of fireworks
Raptors and owls are also huge, but can have amazing grace in the air. They’re majestic, but savage when they’re hunting. One of my favourite insects is the bloody-nosed beetle. It’s called that because it releases a red fluid out of…
