Nene Valley Mammal Youth Group
The Nene Valley Mammal Youth Group has recently been formed to inspire young people to learn about mammals and take action to protect them. Young people will be able spend time outdoors, meet like-minded people, and develop their skills to become citizen scientists and active conservationists. The group has been set up in response to, and with, local young people who have a passion for nature and is affiliated to the Mammal Society, Britain’s leading charity devoted to the science-led conservation of mammals. We are part of their Local Group Network and are unique as we are the only group in the network who focus on providing opportunities to young people.
Many activities will take place at Stanwick Lakes where the group is based, but we are lucky to work in partnership with other local conservation organisations, including Wildlife Trust BCN, Nene Valley Bat group and the Northamptonshire Badger group, to offer some amazing mammal events and experiences for young people along the Nene Valley.
A new group for young nature enthusiasts
*Activities are designed for young people under the age of 30, and there will be activities specifically for children (primary school age), teenagers and young adults aged 18 to 30.
*Some events will be free, for others there will be charge depending on the activity and the which organisation is running the activity.
What we’ve been up to,
and what’s coming next:
Our first event was an owl pellet dissection workshop in February and in April we celebrated national Mammal week with a Magic Mammals event. Visitors to Stanwick Lakes had a go at our Mammal themed nature table quiz, watched trail camera footage of mammals that live on the from the nature reserve and made footprint tunnels for them to take home to record small mammals in their gardens.
Next event:
Saturday 25th July: Guided Beaver walks at the Nene Wetlands on
Throughout the day there will be 3 walks, a family walk for 4-11 year olds, one for teenagers, and an evening walk for young adults aged 18-30. Join our friends at the Wildlife Trust BCN to learn more about beavers and explore their enclosure to see what they have been up to.
Book here:
Nene Wetlands Family Beaver Activity for children ages 4 – 11
Nene Wetlands Family Beaver Activity for young people ages 12-17
Nene Wetlands Family Beaver Activity for young adults (18-30)
Events coming up later 2026:
Wednesday 12th August
Big Badger Craft Club at Stanwick Lakes
(suitable for Primary school aged children)
Friday 11th September
Bat Walk with the Nene Valley Bat Group at Stanwick Lakes
(for young people aged 11-17)
- – TICKETS COMING SOON
Friday 3rd October
All About Badgers with the Northamptonshire Badger Group at Stanwick Lakes
(for Young Adults 18-30)
- – TICKETS COMING SOON
Monday 26th and Saturday 31st October
Harvest Mouse surveys at Stanwick Lakes
(for all 3 age groups of the NVMYG)
- – TICKETS COMING SOON
Growing the group – get involved!
Over the next few months, we will be recruiting more young people to guide and lead the group’s activities as well as creating a network with other organisations to increase the number and variety of activities the group can offer. We will also be fundraising so we can provide activities at a low (or no!) cost to enable as many people to be involved as possible.
Upcoming Events
We will promote events on the Stanwick Lakes “What’s On” pages, but to be the first to hear about the Nene Valley Mammal Youth Group events and activities, please let us know your name and email address
Nene Valley Mammal Youth Group Events
Take a look at some upcoming dates:
Events
List of events in Photo View
Developed in collaboration with local nature and conservation organisations:
