Open to those aged 18–30 with an interest in nature, conservation or simply meeting like-minded people, this free event is an opportunity to explore the Wilder Doddington landscape, discover the important role ponds play within it and spend time with others who care about the natural world.

No previous knowledge or experience is needed.

What to expect

Explore the ponds
Head out into the Wilder Doddington landscape to discover some of its ponds and wetlands, looking at the habitats they provide for amphibians, birds, insects and other wildlife while learning more about their importance for biodiversity.

Share ideas
Take part in a co-creation session exploring how these habitats could develop in the future and share ideas for helping more young people connect with nature and get involved.

Build your pond skills
Get a closer look at life beneath the water’s surface and develop your identification skills, with the chance to discover some of the aquatic invertebrates living in the ponds.

About Wilder Doddington

Wilder Doddington is a 400-year vision to bring more nature back to the Doddington Estate, reconnecting the landscape, nature and people.

Since 2021, natural processes have been given greater space to shape the landscape, supported by free-roaming grazing animals and the restoration and creation of ponds, wetlands and other habitats.

This event offers the chance to experience this changing landscape first-hand and play a part in thinking about what comes next.

About Youngwilders

Youngwilders is a youth-led organisation helping young people connect with nature, build practical conservation skills and play an active role in restoring the natural world.

Through hands-on projects, events and opportunities to learn and connect, Youngwilders creates space for young people to develop skills, share ideas and take meaningful action for nature.