Dover Big Local

Dover Big Local Big Ideas: Home-Educated Young People Make Waves 

What happens when you mix curious young people, local rivers, a community garden and a few litter pickers? 

Quite a lot, as it turns out. 

The Dover Big Local Home Education Blue Influencers group spent the year exploring the River Dour, Folkestone Harbour and the wildlife living right on their doorstep. Every session offered something new, from scavenger hunts and rock pooling adventures to learning about climate change, pollution and conservation. 

Of course, no great adventure is complete without getting slightly muddy along the way. 

As their knowledge grew, so did their ambition. Rather than simply learning about environmental issues, the group wanted to make a lasting difference. Together they designed plans for a wildlife-themed mural and improvements to the Great Little Outdoors community garden, creating projects that reflected both their creativity and their passion for nature. 

The programme also helped young people develop confidence, leadership skills and a stronger connection to their local community. They discovered that environmental action isn't just about protecting wildlife, t's about bringing people together too. 

Like many community projects, there were a few bumps in the road. Attendance made completing the mural more challenging than expected, but that didn't stop the group's enthusiasm or determination to keep moving forward. 

Perhaps one of the biggest achievements was the legacy left behind. Stronger partnerships with Dover Big Local and local organisations have opened the door for future Eco Club activities and even more opportunities for young people to shape their community. 

Sometimes making a difference starts with something as simple as asking, "What could we do here?" 

For this group, the answer was clear: roll up your sleeves, share your ideas and prove that small actions really can create big waves.