“I’ve met some of the kindest people who are doing so much for their communities” – Dylan’s Story
Dylan, a 17 year old student from Winstanley College in Wigan, has always had an interest in plant life and ecology. Unfortunately, he didn’t have an outlet for his passion and would normally stay inside and read about his favourite topics.
In 2023, Dylan’s friend showed him a social media advert, advertising a new programme for young people which focused on creating a mushroom farm at The Den in Merseybank, to provide local communities with healthy, sustainable meals.
Dylan met Norton, who ran the programme, and from there was introduced to Groundwork’s Youth Lead John and a range of different environmental projects, including the Green Pioneers programme which allows young people to take the reigns and use their interests to shape what projects the group take part in.
“I’ve met some of the kindest people who are doing so much for their communities in lots of different ways. Norton uses his creativity and understanding of fungal ecology to create a sustainable food system for those who need it”
Dylan also met other young people who share similar passions but bring their own ideas to the table.
“Kate and Owen are so nice, articulate and bring so many interesting ideas, they’re amazing and I’m happy to have met them”
Being a part of the Green Pioneers programme has allowed Dylan to put his years of environmental knowledge into practice and build on his own ideas.
“Lots of my new skills come from actually getting outside, and leaving the house was a rare thing for me! I’m doing something other than reading books at home, but it’s been fun to use things I’ve read about plants and mushrooms and worms, using my knowledge and creativity to help heal ecosystems”
Dylan is now running his own project, which focuses on medicinal plants and worms and their uses in soil health and ecology. He hopes to present his findings in the future for use in agriculture to produce healthier crops and provide better food for communities.
“It’s really important to show how different ecosystems act to provide for the needs of other organisms. I hope our hypothesis is beneficial and, in the future, helps to provide sustainable food for poorer communities, that’s what I’m excited for”
When asked what advice Dylan would give to other young people, he said to not be afraid to pursue your passions and get involved with activities that might be outside your comfort zone:
“There are so many people who have so much compassion and really care about helping their communities. Everyone brings different creativity and knowledge, and this has so much value for the work we do”
If you know a young person aged 14-17 who wants to connect with others and build their understanding of environmental action, sign them up for our Green Pioneers programme: