Environmental heritage for the next generation

Using the River Avon, Bristol is encouraging a rising tide of young activists

Hugh Thomas, My Future My Choice

“ My future My Choice provides the framework, logistics and creativity to mobilise an education programme for Bristol; replicable in other coastal regions.

Young people are key influencers in achieving targets for biodiversity and emissions. Research shows that they are very concerned about their own future as well as the environment of their city but don’t feel engaged in meaningful action. A significant number are also acknowledged as disconnected from their regional heritage and lack pride in their cultural identity.

Bristol fails to capitalise upon its astounding natural environment. We need people and institutions to empower this target group with greater ownership of their city. RSA seed funding enabled us to start a project called Learning Ships in 2013. This project embraces a range of maritime and marine learning opportunities that link heritage to a young person’s future.

Activities involve young people making visits to heritage locations on Bristol’s rivers for model ship and crane building. European Green Capital funding in 2015 enabled us to build annual activities that celebrate the tides in Bristol through work with schools and the public.”