Dion Bell at Edgar hall, Somerton. 12th November 2024.
Hosted by the Somerset Wildlife Trust, the Wilder 2024 event 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, manned by Fred, Dion and Mary attracted significant attention. Interactions with numerous attendees highlighted RoAM’s proactive engagement within the community. Additionally, Deon Warner’s impressive collection of animal skulls and hand-painted butterflies and dragonflies served as standout attractions, drawing crowds and igniting lively conversations.
The event saw robust attendance, reflecting a keen interest in local wildlife projects. Engagement was evident not only at the stalls but also during Wildlife Trust-led workshops.
Mary and Dion participated in a workshop hosted by the SWT’s Wilder Youth Forum, gaining valuable insights into how to effectively engage with young people. The workshop encouraged reflection on personal childhood experiences and identifying 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. While the group was generally supportive of the community benefits, the conversation shifted to focus on the challenges faced in 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, adding 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. It was a day of discovery, connection, and inspiration, leaving attendees motivated to contribute to local conservation efforts and strengthen their community’s commitment to wildlife preservation.
It was a wonderful opportunity to see the range of work that you do and to see it more widely recognised. Thank you for the work that you all do.