Our Change Makers | Dyfodol Disglair series shares the stories of young people in Wales who are rolling up their sleeves and making a positive impact – from caring for their communities to protecting the natural world.
This month, February’s focus is Sophie from North Wales, who has been getting stuck in to help maintain and care for her local Scout campsite, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
When it comes to looking after special places, Sophie Blackham leads by example. A Scout in Llanfairpwll, Sophie regularly gives up her Saturdays to help with campsite maintenance days, getting involved in everything from practical conservation to improving how the site is presented for visitors.
“I enjoy keeping it tidy and well maintained, like chopping down brambles and opening up paths around the side of the fields,” Sophie explains.
The campsite’s SSSI status means protecting it really matters. Sophie understands that the work goes beyond just clearing and tidying as it’s also about safeguarding wildlife for the future.
“Looking after nature is important to me because I like to help keep rare species alive, so eventually they can become more common,” she says.
Alongside hands-on work, Sophie has also used her creative skills to design posters and leaflets to help others learn more about the site.
“It was really cool – a cool way of displaying information,” she says.
This month Sophie joined a consultation event in partnership with North Wales Wildlife Trust, helping to shape future interpretation signage and making sure young people’s voices are part of the conversation. She shared her thoughts on how information should be displayed and how the site’s story can be told in a way that engages visitors of all ages.
Her Scout Leader Annie said:
“Since starting Scouts two years ago Sophie has been outstanding in her commitment to maintaining the campsite. She’s also been developing an understanding of the natural world on the site and how to protect it. She’s now building on this by raising awareness of the site.”
And for other young people wondering whether to get involved?
Sophie says:
“It’s a good idea. You can build different types of skills and it helps you understand more about wildlife.”
From clearing brambles to shaping future signage, Sophie shows how young people can take real ownership of the places they care about and make a lasting difference.
