Living amidst the vibrant greenspaces of Cardiff City, I've borne witness to the transformative power of community-driven environmental stewardship. The ever-evolving landscape of our city, coupled with its diverse wildlife, has underscored the importance of proactive conservation efforts. Thus, spurred by a deep-seated passion for safeguarding our natural heritage, I resolved to take an active role in the protection and enhancement of Cardiff's ecological wonders.

As a part-time master's student at the University of the West of England, specialising in environmental management, I've been afforded the incredible opportunity to fuse my academic pursuits with real-world action. In my quest to fulfil the requirements of my work-based learning module, I've found myself drawn to the Stand for Nature youth group campaign initiated by Cardiff's Wildlife Trust—a campaign with a singular focus: to Save our Taff. This campaign, dedicated to saving our beloved River Taff, has not only deepened my understanding of environmental issues involved with river protection. But it has also provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in launching and participating in an impactful environmental campaign.

The Stand for Nature campaign has provided me with invaluable insights into the intricacies of launching and sustaining an environmental advocacy initiative. This opportunity has not only equipped me with essential environmental skills, but has also illuminated the potent impact of youth engagement in effecting tangible change within our communities.

The Crux of the Save our Taff Campaign is to hold the Welsh Government accountable for the water quality and pollution issues plaguing the River Taff. This objective consists of a collaboration of ideas from the Stand for Nature Youth Group. Assembling our collective observations as a group we have outlined a strategic roadmap:

• Community Cohesion: We aim to unite communities and organizations along the length of the Taff, fostering a collective spirit of environmental stewardship.
• Evidence Gathering: Collaborating with organisations with expertise and knowledge in river health we aim to collect evidence to substantiate our claims and propel our cause forward.
• Media Advocacy: Through creating our compelling media such as logos, a campaign video, and website we're amplifying our message and rallying support for our campaign.
• Policy Advocacy: Our ultimate goal? To convene at the Senedd next summer, alongside esteemed representatives from Natural Resources Wales and Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water), presenting our findings and advocating for policy reforms based on our research.

So, what strides have we already made in pursuit of these objectives?

• Campaign Launch: We've successfully unveiled our campaign website, replete with logos, mission statements, and a detailed blueprint for action.
• Engagement Efforts: Through ongoing collaborative endeavours, we are crafting a captivating campaign video. Also, by actively engaging with communities around Cardiff by organising surveys among local residents.
• Partnerships: From forging alliances with organisations like Treforest Water guidance from Cardiff University's Otter Society, we're harnessing collective expertise to bolster our cause.

Looking ahead, we are excited to host activities in various community spaces along the river, including litter picks and river species identification sessions. These events are aimed at engaging the local community and fostering a sense of collective responsibility for reducing pollution and preserving the health of the River Taff.

In essence, our campaign to Save the River Taff is an expedition fuelled by passion, driven by purpose, and anchored in the unwavering belief that together, we can effect meaningful change. I invite you all to join us on this journey to Save the River Taff. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty that Cardiff's greenspaces and wildlife offer. Stay tuned to our website for updates on upcoming events and ways to get involved. Let's stand together for the Taff!