YOUNG people in Bude are being given the opportinity to gain skills and knowledge about their coastline.

A group of young people aged 16 to 30 have been taking part in a dedicated training session, 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 has been created by Future Coast Bude in an effort to provide an avenue for the town’s youth to have their voices heard with regard to projects that will have long‑term impacts on the community.

Future Coast Bude is a Defra-funded project, led by Cornwall Council, running from April 2025 to March 2027. It is part of the £200-million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, managed by the Environment Agency

The organisation expressed that so far, engagement with the project has largely come from older residents, who often have more time and confidence to participate in public forums, as such, the Youth Board is now developing creative ways to reach and involve their peers, with several exciting ideas already in motion.

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, March 21, 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.

The Youth Board were led 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.”