Salisbury scout groups make impactful climate change film

The 4th Salisbury (Harnham) and 1st Laverstock Troops took part in a project with Wessex Museum learning all about the climate emergency leading to a visual creation detailing all they had learned. 

Assistant district commissioner for the scouts, Mark Warner said: "The Scouts were extremely enthusiastic about the project as it struck a chord with them, the environment being a big concern to them. 

They also really enjoyed activities especially examining the artefacts from the Museum, the games and quizzes and the film-making process."

Salisbury Museum, Project Curator, Bridget Telfer joined the meetings on Friday evenings and the scouts were able to study and discuss museum artefacts and talk about a variety of climate-related projects. 

This included the use of pesticides, air pollution, deforestation, looking after rivers, fast fashion, fossil fuels, agriculture and land use.

Scouts working on climate change project (Image: Climate change)

They also discussed rubbish and landfill.

During the final two sessions, the scouts were joined by a professional filmmaker who taught them how to script a film and the scouts then put their new skills to good use. 

Collectively, they produced a film about the climate emergency.

Mark Warner added: "The scouts had some previous knowledge but learnt a great deal about environmental issues, the historical context of these and in addition what organisations are doing to help the environment as well as what individuals can do. What seem to be small actions can add up to a big effect.

"From my perspective as a leader, the project was a fantastic success and I would welcome further collaboration with the Museum."

Bridget Telfer, said: "This was a Wessex Museum's Partnership project to engage local community groups with our natural history collections.

"Salisbury Museum and the local scouts explored what our taxidermy animals and fossils can tell us about climate change. Together, we made a film about the Scouts' views on this topic - they wrote the script, helped film it, managed the lights and sound and also, starred in it.

She added: "It was a very exciting collaborative project that we hope will get the wider community thinking, and acting, on this important topic."

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The film is featured in an online Museum exhibition and will also be in the new Natural History Gallery which is due to open in 2024.