Keeping it Wild

I not only joined Keeping It Wild because I wanted to learn more about the environment, but also the social opportunities. At the time I joined, which was right at the start of year 10, I had no friends at school and some stuff about me had been spread around.  

For an autistic teenager, navigating secondary school is an even bigger challenge than it is for most. In a neurotypical world that is not designed for us, making friends, on top of learning social ques and what is acceptable, is a hideous experience. For most of secondary school I have had no friends. I did briefly have a “friend” but when I told her I was autistic, she spread it round the school. For me joining Keeping It Wild was a chance to make possible lifelong friends.  

I found it so refreshing! Everyone is so non-judgemental, and I can just be myself! One of the moments that really touched me was in my first session. It was the smallest gesture, but it meant the world to me and is something I will never forget. This gesture reflected the rest of the group.

At the start of my fist session, I was sat by myself, and the older members were sat on tables with those they knew. When Laura told the older people to go and sit with the newbies I was filled with dread. At school, when anything like this happens, I always end up by myself feeling awkward or am forced to join a group who clearly don’t want me there.  But to my joy and relief, one of the members came and sat down with me and explained some of the ins and outs of what keeping it wild does. They were not told to, they did it by choice! This moment has stayed with me ever since and I think it always will!

The rest of the group was just as lovely and I feel able to feel anxious, excited and stim to my heart's content without being judged and for any neurodivergent people reading this, you will know people and spaces like this are few and far between.

Keeping It Wild is full of all types of amazing and unique people, both neurotypical and neurodivergent who are all equally as kind and understanding.

I never thought I would feel comfortable going on long journeys to places that are quite far away with anyone but my closest family, but I feel so comfortable around these wonderful humans that I would be willing to go almost any distance with them! I also feel able to openly talk about being autistic, what I struggle with and what can help when I am anxious. 

I would highly recommend Keeping It Wild as a wonderful safe place for all people to come and learn about wildlife, how we can protect it, visit new places, gain incredible experiences, and know you will not be judged for being yourself!

Normally Wednesday evenings 6.30pm till 8.30pm and Saturday day times 10am till 3pm. We have lots of special activities that fall outside this times and sessions can vary in and out of term time.

13-25.

On wednesday evenings we meet at the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust office, The Old Ragged School, in Sneinton.

Saturday are at the Nature reserve we manage, Woodthorpe Meadow, on Mansfield Road, Sherwood.

Usually we meet at least once a week, with a practical session every other weekend.

Applications are currently closed.

Please check back soon.

As often as you can. but commitment is appreciated. We are a very popular group.

We keep the membership of young people at around 20 to 25 members.

No experience needed, just a willingness to try new things and get stuck in! 

Its fun, friendly and free. You gain lots of practical experience in so many different areas whilst also gaining a wildlife family!

If you are passionate about nature and the environment, would like to try something new, meet new people, make a difference whilst improving your practical and social skills, then Keeping it Wild is for you.