Eva
My name is Eva, a recent physical geography graduate and lover of all things New Forest, trees and hiking!
Favourite thing about / place in the New Forest?
My favourite thing about the New Forest is (unsurprisingly) its forests! Having grown up in London, I am constantly amazed by the vast swathes of trees which the New Forest boasts, and I can often be found either climbing or hugging a tree somewhere! In particular, I have a fascination with ancient woodlands, and the New Forest being such an important stronghold for ancient British woodlands makes me excited and proud to visit and learn more.
What are your areas of interest and passion?
As mentioned, New Forest woodlands are of a particular interest to me (so much so that I wrote my dissertation on them!) but I also have a deep interest in examining the public’s connection to the New Forest and the mutual relationship that exists between us and nature. I enjoy looking at the bigger picture and analysing how the variety of landscapes, built environments, human impacts and external factors co-exist to create the National Park we see today.
What skills do you have that could benefit the Youth Board?
Having not grown up in the area, I think I can bring an insight of what the New Forest is like from a visitor perspective, and how both tourists and the forest could have a more positive mutual impact. I have a strong understanding of (and am always keen to speak about) climate change and its impacts on physical environments and people. Above all else I love learning from others and am so excited to understand more about the New Forest from the amazing group of people that make up the Youth Board.
What do you want to get from being a New Forest Youth Board member? What skills and knowledge would you like to develop?
I joined the Youth Board as I wanted to meet like-minded young people who were passionate about protecting this amazing green space and feeling like I am making a positive difference, and so far, I definitely feel as though both of those have been achieved. Moving forwards, I would like to gain a deeper understanding of local governance and decision making, and hopefully attend some decision-making events. I would like to improve my public speaking and ability to lead and group and put forward Youth Board views to wider audiences.
