Since 2024, T100 has been working with children and young people across Thurrock as Young Ambassadors, empowering them to plan and run creative walk events for their communities. As part of the T100 Goes Wild festival in May and June 2024, they led 11 walks, each designed to explore and connect with local spaces in a unique way.

From scavenger hunts of forest school spaces in East Tilbury, to Wellbeing walks on Tilbury playing fields and nature journaling in Purfleet with interdisciplinary artist Lora Aziz, the walks encouraged curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the environment.

As the programme entered its second year, the Young Ambassadors gathered at High House Production Park in Purfleet to reflect on their achievements and look ahead. They explored new themes, including sustainability and environmental responsibility in relation to local waterways, and visited the on-site Community Natural Dye Garden being developed by T100 Environmental Champion George alongside local residents, where they worked together to create a Young Ambassadors’ Green Charter – a guide for planning eco-friendly events.

They also took part in a hands-on workshop in the Kinetika Studio, where artists Sarah Doyle and Enja Dixon introduced them to natural dyeing techniques, using wax and paint to create beautiful designs.

Led by Ali Pretty, Kinetika’s Artistic Director, a visioning session sparked new ideas for the year ahead, as Young Ambassadors prepared to shape activities for the T100 Our River programme and the national Beach of Dreams coastal arts festival. They began by sharing their questions around the river and the coastline, including:

• How long has the beach been there?
• How do shells form?
• What wars happened on the beaches?
• Why are some seas blue?
• How do tides work?
• Why are only some beaches cared for?
• Will this coastline still exist in 100 years?

By weaving together history, environmental awareness, and climate concerns, the Young Ambassadors are set to create inspiring events and activities for the 2025 festival that connect people with their local river and coastline.

We can’t wait to see what they come up with!