Southampton National Park City
The Southampton National Park City project wants to create more spaces that are safe to play in and where nature can flourish – a city where people, culture and nature work together.
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Southampton National Park City YouCAN updates
Theatre for Life members teamed up with SNPC to find out about air quality in July 2024.
New Forest adventure trips with Southampton National Park City
Southampton youngsters enjoyed their first trip to the New Forest which included a walk with a New Forest National Park ranger and cycle ride with PedAll inclusive cycling charity.
The trip in March 2024 was the first in a series of events organised by Southampton National Park City to encourage disadvantaged young people to connect with nature as part of the YouCAN scheme.
The families, part of the TUVAA and home schooling communities in Southampton, were surprised that they could take the train and be in the heart of the Forest at Ashurst in 10 minutes.
Rae Turpin, of Southampton National Park City, said: ‘Those taking part said they enjoyed the physical activity of biking and walking in the forest environment, particularly recognising it as a healthy break from Easter school holidays otherwise spent indoors playing video games. They said they appreciated the natural environment, including wildlife and open spaces. It gave them a chance to take part in outdoor activities with others that positively impacted their health and wellbeing.’
SNPC also delivered three sustainable trips to the New Forest National Park with 38 families and young people. These comprised of Southampton community members and groups who may otherwise face various access barriers for example, refugees supported by Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group and Hope into Action. For these, they worked with NFNPA rangers and New Forest inclusive cycling charity PEDALL who offered participants insightful, active and educational introductions to the varied biodiversity, landscapes, histories and opportunities within the New Forest National Park.
SNPC also Launched ‘Guardians of the Greenways’, a scheme showcasing Southampton community members stewarding their local green spaces. For example, Maria who has looked after the Shoreburs Greenway area for over 20 years. Here, they hosted a group walk to share her stories and efforts, which was very well attended and has been commemorated through poetry and film.
Other highlights included commissioning an ecological report regarding opportunities for habitat enhancement around the Itchen Estuary, supporting three young volunteers and interns, and launching ‘Young Placemakers’, a new mentoring and upskilling programme for 18 to 25-year-olds passionate about creating change in their communities.
