Wicken Fen Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire is one of 10 National Trust properties partnering with Save the Children UK to host a series of events that will highlight children and young people’s experiences of the impacts of the climate crisis.
Running until Sunday June 18, young people and their families are invited to write a 'letter to tomorrow', explaining their hopes for the future, at Wicken Fen in Ely.
The Great Big Green Week’s Letters to Tomorrow initiative asks members of the public to write a letter to their future selves or loved ones, outlining what they love and wish to protect from the impacts of climate change as well as the fears of what life could be like if we don’t take action right now.
The letters, which will be sent to leading politicians, will act as a demonstration to the country and the Government that people of all ages are united in their wish to protect nature and to stop climate harm.
Chris White, programming and partnerships officer at the National Trust’s Wicken Fen, said: “Letter to Tomorrow events have been developed by young people to provide a platform for children and youth voices to be heard.
“We’re inviting people to join us in our family discovery area at Wicken Fen to write a Letter to Tomorrow, to explain their hopes for the future if our leaders step up to protect the environment – and fears about what life could be like if we don’t act now.
“Together, this will show that we are willing and ready to make the changes needed to protect children and our planet.”
Organised by The Climate Coalition for the third time since its pilot in 2021, this year's Great Big Green Week particularly calls on the Government to:
1. Keep people warm each winter by rapidly expanding home upgrades, moving away from fossil fuels towards cheaper and cleaner renewables and providing financial support to households in need.
2. Support the people hit hardest by floods, droughts and other climate disasters around the world by ensuring the necessary financial support is delivered.
3. Protect and restore our natural world to help Save Our Wild Isles for the benefit of everyone.
4. Support local initiatives to help communities reduce emissions, protect and restore nature, and support local people in the transition away from fossil fuels.
Patrick Begg, director of outdoors and natural resources for the National Trust, said: “The Great Big Green Week presents a unique opportunity to empower young people and their families to speak up for nature at a time when it needs it more than ever before.
“Many places in our care are popular destinations for families to visit on their days out, and writing their Letters to Tomorrow gives them a say on the urgent action we need to combat climate change, whether that is in places like the Arctic, in developing countries, or right here at home in the UK.
“As a conservation charity, we are determined to do everything we can to tackle the climate and nature crises through initiatives like restoring peatlands, heathlands and flood plains, planting and establishing millions of trees and creating new wildflower meadows.
“Everyone, everywhere, can play their part. We are at a critical point - and it is vital that businesses, our leaders and every one of us takes action now.”
Annabel Fenn, head of UK influencing on climate and inequality at Save the Children UK, said: “The world’s climate is changing and having a direct impact on people and the natural world, and these impacts are disproportionately felt by children.
“Children and young people deserve better, and they expect more from the leaders in charge. Now is the time for action.”
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/wicken-fen-national-nature-reserve
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