The celebration was the culmination of a year-long project in which seven to 16-year-olds were invited to express what nature means to them in one of five creative categories(www.wwf.org.uk/mytruenature). Finalists in the online competition were given their awards by actress Miranda Richardson, who praised the project for giving a voice to – and celebrating – the personal passion and connection of young people with nature, because “it’s that passion and connection that intuitively guides how we think, feel and act”.

The finalists had some inspiring thoughts to share too. Overall winner Christian Cartwright, nine, said: “The test for all of us is to find art and beauty in the natural things that we walk past each day.” A sentiment echoed by photography category winner Celia Morgan, 13, who commented: “All you need is some imagination. You just need to look at it with the right eyes.”

The work of schools and groups who had worked with creative mentors was also showcased through inspiring performances and an exhibition. We got to perform our own song, The Sun Will Always Rise.

Afterwards, we were able to speak to some of the guests who are currently working to try and safeguard this planet for future generations. Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns, WWF-UK, was inspiring when he told us: “You can change everything; you can change public opinion, the minds of the politicians and businesses. They are all trying to look to the next generation for what kind of world we want and you have every opportunity to influence that, so organise, get together and speak up, because you can make a huge difference.”