Grant funds children's wildlife theatre project

The interactive production will run throughout the summer in 2024

A new project to teach children about the challenges facing the Isle of Man's wildlife has been launched for 11 to 18-year-olds.

More than £27,000 has been awarded to the Manx Wildlife Trust by the Manx Lottery Trust for the project.

The trust has commissioned children's theatre company Hello Little People to create the interactive production.

The charity said the initiative aimed to "empower them to become part of the solution to the challenges it faces".

Manx Wildlife Trust's Lucy Chapman said: "Biodiversity loss and environmental damage will be a huge challenge for the next generation and is already of great concern for many young people.

"Youth led conservation efforts are vital in nature’s recovery and this project is designed to nurture a sense of hope, agency, and collaboration in solving the complex problems faced in our natural world."

'The next generation'

It was important that young people knew that "their voice is important to MWT" and its work, she said.

"With this grant, we can inspire the next generation to become passionate advocates for wildlife preservation and environmental sustainability," Ms Chapman added.

Hello Little People's creators Michelle Jamieson and Chloe Shimmin are to lead the project throughout next summer.

Ms Shimmin said young people would be "vital to the devising process, informing each part of the show’s creation".

The project will also include the creation of an Action for Wildlife Youth Forum for children to encourage young people to act within their communities.