A NEW short film documenting the experiences of four young people from the city heading for their first ever visit to a national park has been released.

‘Moments in Nature’, a short film by Kwesia X – a.k.a. City Girl in Nature, was created as part of Campaign for National Parks’ National Parks: New Perspectives bursary scheme for young storytellers to share their experiences of national parks in their own ways.

The project, shot at Seven Sisters Country Park and Friston Forest earlier this summer, follows the journeys of Kwesia, Palmiro and Toheeb from London and Mera from Birmingham as they travelled by train and bus to explore the coast, woods and open spaces in South Downs National Park.  

Introducing her film, Kwesia, who lives in Lewisham, said: “I only learnt what a national park was last year. Since then, I’ve been to four national parks so far and plan to get round to them all.

“For me, a national park is a glimpse of the wider world and the wonders of Mother Nature. This film captures how the landscape enables bonds of friendship and an understanding of co-existence with the natural world. My ambition is to enable others like me to be able to experience going to National Parks.” 

Under the City Girl in Nature moniker, the 24-year-old is determined to get more people connecting with nature and National Parks, and the launch of the film coincides with the launch of a new City Girl in Nature crowdfunder www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/city-girl-in-nature.

Kwesia was one of 10 young storytellers to receive £1,000 funding plus training from Ocean City Media as part of a new bursary scheme which aims to amplify the voices of those less heard in national parks. 

During the film, first-time visitor Toheeb said: “The National Park for me was just vibes, just looking everywhere, cows, not everyday you get to see cows. It's a different vibe than when you're in the city - busy, everyone's trying to get somewhere, no-one's really speaking to each other. So that's like it's more so in touch with nature as in touch with yourself.”   

“We were incredibly moved by Kwesia’s powerful film; we know understand the importance and power of sharing authentic stories from National Parks to inspire people to love and care for these protected landscapes,” said Campaign for National Parks' chief executive Dr Rose O’Neill. 

“National Parks are for everyone and, with over 100 million visits per year, they bring huge benefits for our health and wellbeing.

“But there is real inequality in access and participation, which is why we are campaigning for amendments to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to ensure inclusive access to National Parks is a priority, alongside greater action for nature.”