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A young woman sitting on rocks to the right hand side of the image. In the background is a sandy beach, sea and dramatic sunset behind the clouds.

Grace

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Meet New Forest Youth Board member Grace from Lymington 

  

Favourite thing about / place in the New Forest? 

I love the New Forest in spring. When the flowers have bloomed and the baby animals are starting to appear. Having grown up in Beaulieu, I have been surrounded by these luxuries, and it is sorely missed when I am at university. I have too many favourite places to count but Lepe beach, Exbury Gardens and Hatchet Pond are high on the list! 

  

What are your areas of interest and passion? 

My main passion is within wildlife and environmental conservation. After studying a module at university on Wildlife Crime, I have not looked back! I want to create a safe environment for the animals of the New Forest, specifically road safety and the livestock that roams freely through these areas. I also love photography and will whip out my phone whenever I see a good opportunity to snap a vast landscape or busy bumblebee. 

  

What skills do you have that could benefit the Youth Board? 

I see things through a criminological lens (my area of study), so I can bring a different perspective to the Youth Board, especially regarding wildlife crime and conservation. Prior to my studies, I was a teaching assistant which I feel has enabled me to see the Forest through a child’s point of view, only strengthening the voice for the youth, who will inevitably be the ones who will continue to grow in the New Forest. 

  

What do you want to get from being a New Forest Youth Board member? What skills and knowledge would you like to develop? 

The UK has been ranked as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world! I want to understand how communities within the New Forest National Park work together to maintain its beauty, and whether we can create a positive impact for other neighbouring national parks to increase overall biodiversity and nature. To do this may include public speaking, which is an area and skill I would like to develop (who isn’t nervous about speaking in front of a large audience!)