Generation Wild

Generation Wild at WWT Slimbridge

Generation Wild is a Nature Connection Project that runs across seven of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) sites (https://generationwild.wwt.org.uk/).   The project is targeted at schools in economically deprived areas. It provides free school and subsequent family visits for eligible schools.  (Based on Free School Meal data)

Generation Wild is very different from other projects that we have run.  In the past children have learned about nature. In contrast, this project immerses children within nature and provides numerous opportunities to make a ‘nature connection’.

The project centres on the story Ava the Osprey who wakes one morning to discover she has transformed into part osprey, part girl.  Children learn about her through a digital story book at school. The story continues when the children visit one of our centres and find a giant Ava puppet in her huge nest!  They watch a live show featuring Ava and engage in a number of nature activities around the site to learn more about her and her destiny.

The story then continues back in the classroom where children can log onto the dedicated website and follow Ava on her migratory journey.  The children finally learn that Ava’s destiny is to bridge the gap between humans and nature. If children complete ten or more of the nature activities on the website, they can become ‘Guardians of The Wild’ demonstrating that they are committed to protecting nature and the wonders of the natural world.

Poster created by Year 5 pupils

We know that in order for children to really develop a love for nature, a one-off visit to green spaces isn’t enough.  Schools, families and communities are vital in sustaining children’s passion for the natural world.  Generation Wild offers schools a dedicated website containing 54 nature activities and curriculum-based links. It also provides a free ticket to the wetlands for any family whose child is involved with the project.

Poster created by Year 3 pupils

In the South West, Generation Wild has been running at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.   Abi, one of the pupils in a local school, was the first in the country to become a ‘Guardian of the Wild’.  She told us:

“I really enjoyed the school trip to Slimbridge, we met Ava and learned about her Grandad and her journey across the ocean.” 

“When I got home we logged onto the site and saw all the badges we could do. I liked being able to choose different badges. My favourite badge was making friends with a tree. I liked cuddling the tree and finding out how it felt.” 

“I'm really proud to be the first Guardian of the Wild - I love wildlife and playing in nature - and I love wearing my special badge.” 

Another child said:

“I loved meeting Ava, I have never seen someone that is part animal and part girl! When we met her, I felt sad, but we knew we wanted to help her! I loved making bird noises as one of the activities - that was really fun. I loved doing the activities at home, especially the night walk! It is not something we usually do so it was exciting! My little sister liked it too.” 

A teacher told us what she liked about the project.

“We were very interested to get involved as we wanted to celebrate local nature and the opportunities for learning and exploring that Slimbridge offers so close to us. Our children love taking part in ‘Forest School’ and are considerate of the environment, so the project was something that we knew they would be very excited about!”

“Since being part of the project, the children have been more inquisitive about changes in nature such as slight changes in weather and we have been thinking about how this affects animals, especially birds as the weather changes.”

“The children love keeping up-to-date with Ava's journey and her update regularly gives us an opportunity to discuss other areas of learning such as geography and consider new and exciting animals.”

“The class are very proud of each other when they are awarded their ‘Guardian of the Wild’ certificate and badge and others are very keen to complete the activities to progress to this level. We are of course especially proud of Abi becoming the first ever Guardian and this is something that has inspired others. We loved the interactive nature of the day, using the baskets to receive messages from friends of Ava and not being afraid to explore nature in a fun and exciting way (such as making friends with trees)!”

Sue Belej has been the Learning Manager at Slimbridge for 22 years.

“What is really special about this project is seeing the children engaging with nature and enthusiastically sharing what they have experienced with Ava.  We have received some amazing artwork from Abi’s school and really love seeing how far the project has been developed.”