Making Natural History is a project set up by Ralph and Antonia Lucas in collaboration with EcoEd2030 and many organisations and individuals in Eastbourne and throughout the country. They aim to realise innovative, creative, and inclusive public engagement projects and environmental education raising Eastbourne’s national profile as an outstanding blue and green environment that deserves protection.
Their focus in 2021 was on Birds2BHeard, a project that took thousands of colourful paper birds made by the young people of Eastbourne, with messages about climate action, to world leaders at COP26 in Glasgow.
The Birds2BHeard project continues in Eastbourne.
How did Making Natural History Materialise?
1993 First Youth Cabinet formed at Drusilla’s Zoo, East Sussex
Twelve 10 -12-year-olds vote to establish and host an international conference on the environment to highlight their concerns on Earth’s future.
1995 First United Nations Youth Conference on the Environment ‘Leave It To Us!
85 countries represented. 800 delegates. Conference sponsors: British Airways, Marks & Spencer, American Express, Eastbourne Borough Council, East Sussex County Council.
Outcome: 26 Actions for world leaders to tackle pollution, environmental degradation and animal cruelty.
‘Leave It To Us’ youth chair Debbie Simons and vice chair Dermot Bryers address UN members in New York with their demands.
Map listing delegates’ home countries.
2020 Making Natural History - ‘Leave It To Us’ 25th Anniversary Conference
Conference alumni link with youth of Eastbourne at an on-line conference to discuss current concerns associated with degradation of the green and blue environment and climate change.
Eastbourne Schools Partnership make case to establish an Eastbourne Eden Project.
Children from West Rise Primary School, Pashley Infant School and Gildredge House Free School create Birds2BHeard for world leaders attending COP 26. 600 children each make a paper bird with their message to word leaders. Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledges project, encouraging originators to take their birds to COP26.
2021 Birds2BHeard COP26
Ralph Lucas takes thousands of young Eastbournians messages to Glasgow. These call on world’s youth and leaders to take action and address the man-made causes of climate change. Their huge “flock” of birds arrive at Hillhead High School, Glasgow on 4th November to be displayed and stimulate debate before “flying” on to support Glasgow’s Friday’s For Future Youth March on 5th November.
The birds will also join Glasgow’s ‘Global Day of Action’ march on 6th November, joining other groups from Eastbourne.
A selection of paper birds will be showcased at the conference itself, at the COP26 Presidency Programme’s Youth and Public Empowerment Day on 5th November. Birds2BHeard embodies their aim to elevate the voice of young people and demonstrate the critical role of public empowerment and education in climate action.