MANX WILDLIFE TRUST LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE WILDLIFE PROJECT

Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) will be launching a ground-breaking wildlife project thanks to a grant of £27,516 from Manx Lottery Trust. MWT has commissioned Hello Little People, a children’s theatre company, with experience in creating participatory theatre in the Isle of Man, to create an original production with young people, for young people, to inspire action for wildlife through theatre.

The primary focus of the project is the development of an interactive 20-30-minute outdoor theatre performance, which aims to educate children about the diverse wildlife found in the Isle of Man and empower them to become part of the solution to the challenges it faces.

The project’s unique devising and collaborative approach will involve those aged between 11 and 18 years old. Through workshops led by Hello Little People, they will share their concerns and passions regarding wildlife and the environment, which will inspire the script and storyline. Creators and actors Michelle Jamieson and Chloe Shimmin will lead the first performances of the project in summer 2024, after which young people will receive training to deliver the outdoor theatre experiences to a younger audience aged 3 to 11.

Lucy Chapman, Team Wilder Coordinator at MWT said: ‘We are very grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for their generous support of this wildlife project. Biodiversity loss and environmental damage will be a huge challenge for the next generation and is already of great concern for many young people. Youth led conservation efforts are vital in nature’s recovery and this project is designed to nurture a sense of hope, agency, and collaboration in solving the complex problems faced in our natural world. We also want young people to know we are really listening to their concerns and their voice is important to MWT and our work.

A further component of the project is the development of MWT’s 'Action for Wildlife Youth Forum,' which focuses on empowering young people to act in their communities and establish strong, supportive connections with one another. This will also extend to the families of younger participants, offering opportunities to connect with nature, engage in activities that benefit both people and wildlife and encourage membership to MWT’s ‘Wildlife Watch' children's club’.

Lucy continues ‘With this grant, we can inspire the next generation to become passionate advocates for wildlife preservation and environmental sustainability.’

Chloe Shimmin, from Hello Little People said: ‘We are extremely excited to collaborate with MWT on this project to create a piece of theatre that directly responds to what young people feel about wildlife and their environment today. The young people will be vital to the devising process, informing each part of the show’s creation. We are so grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for supporting this innovative and empowering work.’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘We are pleased to support MWT with this wildlife project. This innovative project not only engages young people in the conservation of our local wildlife but also nurtures creativity and teamwork. We have no doubt that this will be an exciting addition to the Isle of Man's conservation and educational landscape.’

To find out more about MWT and the charity’s conservation work, visit: www.mwt.im  

This grant is from Manx Lottery Trust’s 2023 Community Awards Thematic Fund, ‘Empowering Young People’. Manx Lottery Trust has been delegated to distribute National Lottery money from The National Lottery Community Fund. To find out more, visit: www.mlt.org.im