About the project
Generation Wild will connect 90,000 children and their families with nature, creating a generation that will carry forward a life-long love of the natural world.
About us
Generation Wild is WWT’s nature connection programme for schools, children and families in economically disadvantaged areas. It uses storytelling, puppetry and innovative technology to connect children with nature, using a visit to a wetland centre as a springboard to further activity in the local community.
Why was the project developed?
Evidence shows that connecting with nature makes children feel happier, increases their self-esteem and improves their behaviour as well as their physical and mental health.
Children from disadvantaged communities often have fewer opportunities to connect with nature. Through Generation Wild, we will work with schools, children and families in these communities to inspire the next generation of nature lovers.
What do we mean by connecting with nature?
Connecting with nature involves more than simply spending time in natural environments. In order to gain maximum benefit, people need to interact directly with the environment and wildlife around them.
All of the activities in Generation Wild are designed to connect people with nature through five pathways: senses, emotion, compassion, meaning and beauty.
It all starts with a story…
Nature connection can be enhanced through arts-based activities. We have worked with a creative partner called Stand and Stare to develop an extraordinary story, based on a central character, Ava, who is part girl, part Osprey.
Through the programme children are introduced to her story in school, meet her at the wetland centre and follow her adventures on the programme website.