YOUNGSTERS are being urged to get their hands dirty as part of a new wildlife project.

Teen Talk, which is based in Cliff Road, Dovercourt, has launched the project to help young people living in the Harwich area who would like to start a career in the animal, wildlife and conservation industry, but are struggling to find work experience or employment.

The Harwich Wildlife Project is already running activities, including bug house building, camera traps and bird surveys.

Sasha Downing, a member of the new project, said: “It is a great way to get involved with the community and get to know what wildlife we have in Harwich.

“Bird walks and wildlife workshops every week allow us to upskill and gain knowledge on all areas of wildlife.

“If wildlife and upskilling yourself is something you’re interested in, then it’d be a great project to get involved in.”

The aim of this project is to provide wilderness areas in which the community can be involved as volunteers or visitors.

It also aims to provide a place where scientific studies can be carried out and offer an opportunity for people to develop their knowledge of wildlife.

Teen Talk picked up almost £40,000 this year from the People’s Health Trust to fund a two-year project aimed at developing a volunteer programme to support youngsters using the charity’s new community room.

It has now designed activities specifically for young people aimed at helping to give them skills and build- ing confidence and self-esteem.

Anyone aged between 18 and 25 who is interested in the scheme can call Fern Lovett on 01255 504800.