Rise and lead: unlocking potential at the Young Leaders Course 2024
Anna, Ashvi and Joe
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Anna (she/her), 22
My first reaction when I found out about the BTO young leaders course was that it wasn't for me. I wasn't a leader, and I didn't have the capability to be one. I was wrong. I have always wanted to share my love of wildlife but didn't really know how to do it, so this eventually convinced me to apply and I'm really glad that I did.
On arriving at the course, I can honestly say that I have never been in a more friendly and inclusive environment. I am autistic and was initially very anxious as I find unfamiliar situations overwhelming. I was immediately put at ease, however, and simply being around this community of people who allowed me to be myself has helped me to grow in confidence and has allowed me to speak up for myself and not worry so much about what other people might think.
I am really proud of what I achieved - particularly joining in with discussions and leading my own activity, neither of which I have felt able to do in the past.Anna
It is very hard to pick a favourite part of the course as all the speakers were so different and it was really interesting listening to the various experiences and how this has shaped the speakers' roles within conservation and leadership. We were also in the most beautiful location and being able to go out into the forest and learn about the local wildlife was definitely a highlight too.
Overall, I think I gained a lot personally from being on the course and I am really proud of what I achieved - particularly joining in with discussions and leading my own activity, neither of which I have felt able to do in the past. Being surrounded by a group of like-minded nature nerds definitely boosted my confidence and both staff, speakers and other participants altogether made it a fantastic experience.
Ashvi (she/her), 24
Starting the day by stepping outside and seeing a forest slowly coming alive is very different to my mornings in London. BTO’s Young Leaders course took place at Cameron’s cottage in the New Forest, and each day started with identifying species found in moth traps set the night before or going on a birdwatching walk. It was the perfect backdrop to help us feel more connected to nature, while we learnt the skills to help us become future leaders and give wildlife a voice.
I fortuitously stumbled upon the application by chance from browsing the BTO website. The week gave us an insight into leadership and conservation through various thought-provoking sessions and practical guidance.
One of my favourite sessions was with Anjana Khatwa. It was incredibly inspiring to see a South Asian scientist, who shares my heritage, talk passionately and share her journey of breaking through barriers. In other sessions, it was freeing to appreciate nature through mindfulness, art, and creative writing, as science can often seem rigid and void of creativity.
It was incredibly inspiring to see a South Asian scientist, who shares my heritage, talk passionately and share her journey of breaking through barriers.Ashvi
It was refreshing being in an environment that fosters a love for wildlife and the course connected me with a community of amazing young people who are dedicated to fighting for the protection of nature.
It changed my perspective on what leadership can look like and encouraged me to apply these ideas in different parts of my life. It has given me the courage to seek ways to engage other people in wildlife and conservation, even those who are completely new to it.
Joe (he/him), 23
Looking back in years to come, the week I spent at the BTO Young Leaders Course will be an energising moment in my conservation career. The opportunity to be focused on developing environmental and leadership skills on a beautiful site, surrounded by other passionate people is one I will always be thankful for, and I’m still riding the high off of that opportunity as I’m writing this weeks later.
The lineup of speakers this year all brought a great mix of skills and experiences. On the first day we tackled science communication with Sophie Pavelle; learning how to communicate ideas in a way that key audiences can understand, and how to value your own work, as it’s sometimes too easy to dismiss your own wins.
We were joined by Dr Anjana Khatwa on day two, a Geologist and engagement specialist. She taught us how to effectively engage communities, especially underrepresented communities in the scientific and environmental sectors, and how the simple act of listening can go a long way in bridging the existing gap.
In the second session with Anjana we discussed ethical leadership, talking about how to challenge power, and help yourself and others reach their goals; practices I am implementing into my current work and future career.
It was uplifting to be surrounded by other like-minded young people, who were all inspirational in their own way.Joe
My personal favourite guest was Richard Benwell. Coming into the Young Leaders Course, communication and confidence were two big things I wanted to improve upon in my personal and professional life. Richard showed us how he approaches difficult conversations with often even more difficult people, and challenged us to do the same with a role-play activity; he didn’t make it easy for us, throwing curve balls at every point we tried to make. At the time it was frustrating, but in reflection I learnt a lot about effective and confident communication in the workshop, and I’ve been taking my learning with me into everyday life as a result.
The highlight of the week was meeting the other participants. It was uplifting to be surrounded by other like-minded young people, who were all inspirational in their own way. I know we’ll all go on to do great things in our lives, and I’ll now always have friendly faces I can look to in the environmental sector.
A massive thank you to the BTO Youth team for putting together a fantastic week, and for being so friendly and supportive throughout.
About the Young Leaders Course
The BTO Young Leaders Course empowers young people who care about birds and the environment to take positive action, equipping them with the leadership skills needed to make a difference.
The course is completely free of charge, and there are a number of travel bursaries available to help participants cover transport costs.
Partners and support
The Young Leaders Course is supported by the following organisations:
Cameron Bespolka Trust
The generous support of the Cameron Bespolka Trust made the course and its contents possible.
Raptor Aid
Funding from Raptor Aid supported the provision of travel bursaries for young people travelling to the course.
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