This month will see the first meeting of a new Youth Committee, which is poised to give young people a greater voice in the decision-making process at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and ensure that services delivered by the authority are as effective as possible in meeting their needs.

The Youth Committee came into being as a result of the EuroParc Youth Manifesto. Drawn up in 2018, with Pembrokeshire Coast Youth Rangers playing a key role, the document covers many issues identified as important by young people from rural and protected areas across Europe. One of its most significant points was a call for younger generations to become more involved in the decisions that affect them.

This was welcomed by members of the Park Authority and, following in-depth discussions, it was decided that a Youth Committee should be formed.

The authority is currently recruiting young people aged 12-25 to be part of this new Youth Committee.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Pathways co-ordinator Tom Moses said: “A residential weekend will be held in North Pembrokeshire between March 13 and 15 to allow new members to get to know each other and develop an understanding of the Park and the work of the authority.

“As well as this, members will decide on priorities, how the Youth Committee will work and how it will feed in to the Park Authority. This will allow the young people to hit the ground running once regular committee meetings starting in April.”

There are still spaces left on the new Youth Committee, even for those unable to attend the residential weekend. Anyone interested in finding out more, or applying for a place, should contact Tom Moses at [email protected], or phone 07773 788205.