Our aim is to connect 20,000 young people with nature in the next five years

Forest News

14/04/23

We want to inspire the next generation, and we know that the need for young people to spend time in green spaces is greater than ever.   

Since its launch in 2019, National Parks Futures, in partnership with Forest Holidays, has connected over 8,500 young people with nature through flagship projects and a UK Travel Fund. 

In 2023, our funds will go towards three incredible projects.  

The Broads National Park, Broads Youth Ambassadors 

The Broads education team are seeking to engage young people from Gt Yarmouth, Norwich and Lowestoft and work with them to discover, explore, appreciate, conserve and enjoy wild places within the Broads National Park such as Barton Turf, How Hill and Horsey. 

They will gain practical work experience by carrying out a range of conservation and environmental tasks at Barton Turf Adventure Centre and other sites within the Broads National Park, and participate in activities to discover and explore the specific sites, the surroundings and the wider Broads National Park. 

Their aim is to develop awareness of the rich heritage and special qualities of the Broads, knowledge about sustainability, and also to build self-confidence, communication, teamwork and practical skills. 

North York Moors National Park, Young Rangers Scheme 

The North York Moors National Park will deliver their Young Rangers Scheme for children and young people aged 11-17 from areas of high deprivation. The scheme will provide unique activities where children and young people volunteer, get active, learn skills and undertake practical conservation tasks within the National Park.  

Activities will be led by an experienced National Park Young Ranger Leader and volunteers based within the Outdoor Learning and Engagement Team. The project will aim to help them develop the skills and confidence to access the wealth of nature on their doorsteps. Parents sometimes find it challenging to bring children and young people to sessions so free transport will be provided. 

In the long term, the project will create lasting impact and change by improving health and wellbeing in younger people by promoting physical activity, reconnection to the natural environment and instilling a willingness to engage in lifelong volunteering. It is these shifts that will help to secure our next generation of environmental stewards.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, The Lost Words 

In 2023 the Lost Words exhibition will be visiting the Gallery at the National Park Authority’s Oriel Y Parc, St Davids. The exhibition presents an outstanding opportunity for local schools, and the Pembrokeshire Coast education team have been looking at ways to resource the experience. This would include providing learning materials for schools, and support for schools wishing to visit the exhibition. 

The Lost Words exhibition is a celebration and cautionary tale of lost words in nature and linguistic and cultural storytelling. It is a celebration of nature and its wonder through art and word – for the wild child. A retreat for the eyes, mind and soul, this exhibition aims to reconnect adults and children to the natural world using the magic of words and art. 

Looking forward to the year ahead 

We love being involved and seeing the impact that these projects have on young people throughout the year. The power of nature and outside play is fundamental to young people. As well as providing fresh air and exercise, it's one of the essential ingredients for our children’s wellbeing, education, and social development. 

We’re proud that our long-term commitment to ‘National Parks Futures’ is enabling thousands of young people to experience learning in amazing natural settings.