"Turning Tides was a chance for the adults working in Exmouth's vibrant climate action community to turn their attention to the next generation, putting young people at the heart of the conversation. Speaking to people of all ages on the day, this was a welcome initiative, and something many children already concerned about their futures have felt to be lacking across all aspects of their daily life, whether that be due to insufficient school time dedicated to the topic, an embarrassment that caring about climate isn’t ‘cool’, or with local climate groups not always prioritising youth participation. Lots of young people said they’d love to see more events like Turning Tides in the future and have been struggling with the lack of free ‘third spaces’ where climate conversations could take place in a multi-generational arena. Adults were equally supportive, and thoroughly inspired by the creative responses the competition entrants made, both for the beauty of the futures they imagined, and the unique ways in which they showcased them. One thing that came up with almost every young person who told us their suggestions for a happier, healthier, more sustainable Exmouth, was a reduction in traffic, and an increase in pedestrian areas and safe cycling paths! They haven’t started driving yet, so perhaps it is the level of freedom that a car offers which they are keen to replicate for themselves, but we also heard again and again that they felt their free/play spaces were dominated by traffic, and would feel safer without the constant presence of cars. Amongst younger children, litter was a visceral reminder of society's apathy, and there was so much enthusiasm to protect the wonder of nature! Overall, it was a brilliant day of conversation and creativity, and I think we all agreed, this must be the first of many similar youth focussed events to come!"