A nature festival to help young people “take a leading role” on issues such as climate change will be held on Saturday.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) is holding a free day-long event for 11 to 25-year-olds at Norwich Arts Center to showcase its new Wild Youth Action plan.

Visitors will be able to meet naturalists and local conservation charity staff, attend creative workshops, arts events, youth discussion panels and go on nature walks to explore wild corners of the city.

“It’s very inspiring as it gives young people the opportunity to have their say on an issue that affects them,” said the foundation’s Alex Day.

“When we talk about the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis, this is a chance for them to take a leading role and collaborate together on these issues,” Mr Day added.

“Young people are given the opportunity to take action, and it is also their first exposure to areas such as wildlife conservation.

“We hope this will be a really positive, fun and entertaining experience.”

The NWT operates approximately 60 reserves across the county, including some internationally important areas that are home to endangered and rare species such as ospreys, bitterns and spoonbills.

Mr Day said those enrolled in the Wild Youth Action programme, supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, would be able to carry out vital practical conservation work based on age and interest level.

The Wild Wardens group, aged 11 to 17, allowed young people to gain hands-on experience on the NWT reserve.

They had already helped build roads and fences in the trust’s new reserve this summer. Sweet Briar Marshes In the heart of Norwich.

Meanwhile, Mr Day said the newly formed Youth Forum would run its own small nature reserve, planned in Norwich, to allow 16 to 25-year-olds to develop leadership skills and organize events.

They also have to overcome the challenge of managing it in different seasons, he said.

“These opportunities appeal to different experiences,” he said.

“You don’t have to be a dedicated ecologist; you can just enjoy being in nature.”

The event will be held at the venue on St Benedict Street between 10am and 3.30pm GMT and people can drop by throughout the day.

Limbic Theatre, artist Kaitlin Ferguson, who has produced a video about the Sweet Briar Marshes, the UK Climate Museum, broadcaster Amy Nomvula and wildlife expert and NWT ambassador Nick Acheson, will be at the event.