Hi Toqueer, how did your passion for the natural world begin?
My passion began at a very young age and I have always loved ladybirds! I was fascinated by their colours and markings, and through looking at them, I began to notice other insects. Growing up in Walsall, I found a real connection with the natural world whenever I was in it, whether that be at the green space play area at school, playing football with my friends or enjoying the climbing frame and water features at Walsall Arboretum! I was the kind of child that would go to a park and look around; I took notice of the trees, the birds and other animals. My favourite bird has always been the robin, especially during the winter time when they perch amongst the holly trees.
What are the benefits to volunteering and being a champion for the natural world?
I think the most important benefit is the sense of wellbeing that nature can bring, and feeling good about yourself. It also gives me a sense of purpose in the things that I do. I’m very much a person that enjoys learning new things, and the natural world is a place of wonder and amazement. Nature isn’t just for young people, it’s for everyone - and you’re never too old to stop learning!
I’m very passionate about making sure that nobody is excluded from engaging with nature. Recently I joined the mass trespass at Kinder Scout, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the first trespass which took place to ensure everyone has a right to roam in the countryside. It’s inspired me to set up a walking group focussed in the West Midlands which will engage marginalised and minority communities to get out and discover new places. The area has so much to offer, beautiful places such as Warley Woods and Moseley Bog. I feel there are many people who haven’t yet discovered these places, and with my passion and commitment to inclusion, I feel that I can make a difference to local communities by engaging them with the natural world around them.
What advice would you give to other people who may not yet have discovered the benefits of the natural world?
My advice is to get out there and get involved! I’m very much an advocate for the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust. During my visits to their EcoPark site in Small Heath, which is a wonderland, I was made to feel so welcome by Holly, their Community Engagement Officer. I was even honoured and humbled to be asked to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of their new environmental centre! I know the importance of education and just how much this new building will benefit the local community to engage with nature. EcoPark is not just a place for wildlife, it’s a place for rest, a place for families. It’s a place with something for everyone, so my advice is for people to come and have the experiences that I’ve had!
Do you have any favourite places to spend time amongst nature in Birmingham and the Black Country?
I really love Edgbaston Reservoir, it’s a wonderful place. It’s great for walking, for relaxing and it’s nice to see so many people enjoying it, from families to cyclists. There’s always something happening and there’s a wonderful breeze which blows across the water. It’s free and open to the public so please go and visit it!
What are your hopes for the future – both for yourself and the natural world?
I hope to continue my passion for supporting the natural world and the environment. I’d like to pursue a career in this industry. I want other people to have the opportunities I’ve had and to have the same experiences as me, from new friendships I’ve made, to connecting with nature. I’ve recently set up a blog which you can read where I will showcase my own green adventures throughout the region. It’ll have videos and articles about all things nature related, and green actions you can take for nature! You can read my blog at: toqueergreenblog.wordpress.com.
My hope for the future of the natural world is that humanity can coexist peacefully, share our limited natural resources and make sure we take care of the world around us. We have to ensure the natural world is healthy. A healthy natural world is a healthy community, and a better place for us all to live in.
You can follow updates on Toqueer’s green journey at https://toqueergreenblog.wordpress.com