Dion Bell at Edgar Hall, Somerton. 12th November 2024.
The Wilder 2024 event was hosted by the Somerset Wildlife Trust. It focused on local wildlife community projects and was an extraordinary gathering that emphasized collaborative efforts in wildlife conservation. Attendees experienced a day filled with enlightenment and engagement, featuring inspiring speakers and interactive stalls that kept everyone deeply invested.
The event showcased multiple speakers who presented detailed insights into various local wildlife projects. These presentations sparked discussions on potential collaborations with RoAM, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among attendees.
The RoAM stall, crewed by Fred, Dion, and Mary, attracted significant attention. Interactions with numerous attendees highlighted RoAM’s proactive engagement within the community. Deon Warner’s impressive collection of animal skulls and hand-painted butterflies and dragonflies served as a standout attraction. It drew crowds and ignited lively conversations.
The event saw robust attendance, reflecting a keen interest in local wildlife projects. Engagement was evident at the stalls, and also during Wildlife Trust-led workshops.
Mary and Dion participated in a workshop hosted by the SWT’s Wilder Youth Forum. They gained valuable insights into how to engage with young people effectively. The workshop encouraged reflection on personal childhood experiences. It identified potential barriers faced by today’s youth, with Forum members Erica and Rachel enhancing the discussion.
Fred participated in the workshop on how rewilding can benefit communities, which sparked a range of thought-provoking discussions. The group was generally supportive of the community benefits. The conversation, however, shifted to the challenges of getting rewilding projects off the ground. This emphasis allowed participants to explore barriers and potential solutions, resulting in a rich and engaging session.
A highlight of the day was poet Liz Torc, whose enchanting poem about Somerset captivated the audience. Liz concluded the event by crafting a poem from attendees’ hopes and promises towards nature. This added a personal and emotional touch to the closing act.
The Wilder 2024 event underscored the vibrant interest in local wildlife conservation and the potential for future collaborations. The event was a day of discovery, connection, and inspiration. It left attendees motivated to contribute to local conservation efforts and strengthen their community’s commitment to wildlife preservation.
