Partnership Working and Youth Engagement Events

At The Sherbourne Valley Project, engaging with the local community is at the heart of what we do. In the week of 17th February, we had the opportunity to take part in two fantastic events—both of which gave us the chance to connect with people, share our passion for nature, and inspire young people to get involved in the outdoors. Here’s a look back at these memorable engagements.

Family Hub and CIRV Youth Takeover (19th February)

On 19th February, we attended the Family Hub and CIRV Youth Takeover, a free community event designed to introduce young people to different organisations and activities available to them. With 30 associations and exhibitors present, the event was buzzing with energy as 379 people attended throughout the day.

Our stall, run by Jen and Sophia was a big hit, with highlights including our wildlife sound buttons—allowing visitors to hear bat calls and explore our informative displays. Our trainee, Ari, also represented the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Youth Committee, and together we shared insights into our Junior Rangers programme and upcoming events.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was the number of young people who expressed a genuine love for nature. Many were surprised to learn that Coventry is home to a nature reserve, so we made sure to spread the word about Brandon Marsh and the opportunities it offers for wildlife enthusiasts. We had fantastic conversations with families and young people alike, exploring their personal experiences with nature and discussing ways they could get more involved. Moving forward, we are excited to collaborate with Family Hubs to create activities that help people engage with the outdoors in their local area.

Coventry University Green Week 2025 (18th February)

The day before, we took part in Coventry University’s Green Week 2025—an event dedicated to promoting sustainability, environmental awareness, and student-led action to make the campus greener. We were thrilled to support this initiative as part of our ongoing partnership with the university.

Green Week featured a variety of workshops, talks, and interactive activities covering topics such as climate action, sustainable travel, waste reduction, and eco-friendly living. Our stall, run by Helen and Joe, provided students with hands-on experiences to learn more about local wildlife and conservation. We showcased life-size bat cutouts, sound blocks featuring bat calls, wildlife identification spotter sheets, and even some unique natural specimens—including hedgehog spines, fox and badger fur, and otter spraint!

One of the biggest attractions was the Riverfly sample we brought from Guphill Brook. Kept cool on ice to preserve the invertebrates, the sample allowed students to explore the biodiversity within their local waterways. We discussed what different species indicate about river health and introduced the Riverfly Citizen Science Project. Many students were fascinated by this insight into aquatic ecosystems, and we hope to see some of them join us for future conservation activities.

Throughout the day, we engaged with nearly 100 students, sharing ways they can contribute to nature conservation and inviting them to stay connected through our events and newsletter.

Looking Ahead

Both events reinforced the importance of community engagement in our work. Whether through inspiring young people at the Family Hub event or encouraging sustainability at Green Week, we saw firsthand how passionate people are about nature and the environment. We’re excited to build on these connections, welcome new faces to our activities, and continue working towards a greener, more connected Coventry.

If you’d like to stay updated on our upcoming events and opportunities to get involved, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media!

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