Future Coast Bude Youth Board takes part in coastal change training session

The Future Coast Bude Youth Board, made up of 18 local young people aged 16 to 30, took part in a dedicated training session this weekend. This session was designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge about the coastline in Bude, needed to support the Future Coast Bude project.

	The Youth Board was established to ensure younger voices are represented in a project that will have long‑term impacts on the community. Engagement with the project to date has largely come from older residents, who often have more time and confidence to participate in public forums. The Youth Board is now developing creative ways to reach and involve their peers aged 16–30, with several exciting ideas already in motion.
A key theme emerging from the project’s community survey earlier this year was the need for clearer information about how the coastline is changing and what drives those changes. In response, Future Coast Bude will soon launch a series of ‘Community Conversation’ events. These sessions will help residents explore how the coastline has evolved, what it may look like in the future, and how the project is supporting adaptation. The Youth Board will play a central role in helping to design, run, and analyse these events, supported by free training and paid work opportunities that aim to build their confidence and future employability.
	Bude-Stratton Town Councillor, Tony Gibbs, who has been supporting the project, said: "To see the Future Coast Bude Youth Board come together with such enthusiasm and energy is very exciting. The board are very keen to learn about the coastline, how it is changing and what it means for their future. I look forward to continuing to work with the board and Future Coast Bude to develop ideas and plans that benefit our entire community.”

On Saturday 21 March, the Youth Board gathered at the new 2 Minute Foundation HQ for an immersive training day focused on Bude’s unique coastline. They were introduced to a new interactive tool developed by the project, which brings together historic photos, maps, charts, and artwork of the Bude coastline. This digital resource, which is soon to be launched publicly, allows users to explore how the coastline has changed over time.

The group also enjoyed a premiere screening of new bite‑size educational films created in collaboration with the 2 Minute Foundation. These short films explain the natural processes shaping Bude’s coastline in an accessible and engaging way.

Claire from the 2 Minute Foundation then led the Youth Board on a guided beach walk, giving them the chance to observe coastal processes first‑hand. The session concluded with a discussion about how Bude’s coastline may change in the future and how the community can adapt positively.
	Evie, 22, said: “I found this session very helpful and informative. It really helped clear up any questions I had and was a great way to learn and digest the information. I enjoyed the beach walk to see physical examples of the changes to our coast. I enjoyed being able to work with people my age for the future of Bude.”
Tom, 17, added: “Growing up in Bude I feel its amazing landscape and community is so unique, and as young people it is our duty to preserve it whilst adapting to the inevitable changes to the coast.”

The next Youth Board training session will take place on 28 and 29 March, delivered by the charity Voice. This workshop will focus on communication and engagement skills, preparing the young people to support the project in sharing information with the wider community.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on Community Conversations.

Facebook: @Future Coast Bude
Instagram: @futurecoastbude