The New Forest National Park Authority is celebrating receiving £1.4 million to connect young people to nature and help communities across the region tackle climate change as part of the Youth for Climate and Nature scheme.
The Youth for Climate and Nature scheme (YouCAN) has secured a £1.2 million Climate Action Fund grant from The National Lottery Community Fund – the largest community funder in the UK – and a further £264,000 in match funding from partners.
Aimed at 11- to 25-year-olds, the scheme will strengthen young people’s connection to nature, and deepen their understanding of what drives environmental behaviour change. It will enable them to develop nature-focused campaigns in their local communities spanning an area of 300 square miles across the New Forest, Southampton, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, covering a mix of urban, rural, coastal and freshwater habitats.
Youth-led and co-created activities will include junior ranger programmes, volunteer opportunities, habitat improvements, climate cafés, composting, food growing/waste reduction, walking and cycling in nature, and internships providing experience in green skills and jobs.
Lead partner New Forest National Park Authority will work alongside the Countryside Education Trust in Beaulieu; Freshwater Habitats Trust; The Parks Foundation in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole; Southampton National Park City project; Theatre for Life, and care and support charity Alabaré to deliver the scheme over three years.
The scheme, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, aims to reach new audiences with a wide, interactive events programme, including residential stays, refugee visits, and workshops with local artists and climate scientists to develop a theatre production and community tour.
A youth advisory board will help to shape the project, while young people will be given further opportunities to have their voices heard through content creation, sound recordings and photography.
Prof. Gavin Parker, Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘We know our communities and young people are eager to tackle the climate and nature emergencies and there is already a great deal of activity in this area. The YouCAN scheme represents an unprecedented opportunity to secure a step-change towards sustainable living in the National Park and beyond, and this investment will give us tools, resources, knowledge and networks to move forward at pace.
‘YouCAN aligns with our National Park Partnership Plan themes of climate, nature, people and place, and the funding will allow us to develop a 10-year plan for climate action with partners so that we can continue to work together beyond the three-year scheme.’
Young people will benefit from a raft of existing experience through events, mentoring and skill-sharing opportunities, as well as an early green careers network. The scheme will help them work with their own communities so a wider range of ages can take action for climate and nature together.
Helen Robinson, the New Forest National Park Authority’s Lead Education and Youth Officer, said: ‘The funding will enable us to increase the scale and reach of our existing green opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to connect to nature and take action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. Importantly, it will empower young people, giving them new skills to take forward to help understand and protect these amazing spaces across the south.’
About the partner organisations:
Alabaré:
A charity supporting young people, homeless adults, veterans, vulnerable and marginalised people, it helps them transform their lives, providing accommodation and helping them gain the skills, confidence and opportunities to live a fulfilled life.
Countryside Education Trust:
Established in 1975, the Countryside Education Trust’s mission is to connect people with the countryside. It introduces people to the wonders of the British countryside, rural life and farming. The expert teaching team tailors national curriculum-based modules to the needs of schools.
Freshwater Habitats Trust:
Freshwater Habitats Trust’s aim is to protect freshwater life for everyone to enjoy. It delivers its conservation aims through expert staff and conservation, community, research and policy.
New Forest National Park Authority:
Responsible for conserving and enhancing the New Forest and promoting understanding and enjoyment of the things that make it special, it is the local planning authority for the National Park. As well as nature conservation and visitor information responsibilities, services include education, recreation and archaeology.
The Parks Foundation:
A charity that delivers community projects and fundraises for its parks with help from the public. It wants to create inspirational parks that improve people’s health and wellbeing, reconnect people with nature and bring diverse communities together.
Southampton National Park City project:
The Southampton National Park City project wants to create more spaces that are safe to play in and where nature can flourish – a city where people, culture and nature work together.
https://southampton-national-park.com
Theatre for Life:
Theatre for Life is an arts organisation working with marginalised groups, NHS, Solent Mind charity, educational providers and the wider community through specialist creative and health programmes. It makes theatre with the community for the community, with a strong focus on shared experiences, and improved physical and mental health.
About The National Lottery Community Fund:
The largest non-statutory community funder in the UK – community is at the heart of its purpose, vision and name. It supports activities that create resilient communities that are more inclusive and environmentally sustainable, and that will strengthen society and improve lives across the UK.
Kindle (2022 release)
£84.99
Discover Animals is a small team dedicated to bringing you the latest conservation and nature news. If you enjoy our content, please support our work with a donation from as little as £1.
