£4.5M for disadvantaged young people to forge connections with nature

By the end of the project next spring, Generation Green 2 will have delivered more than 41,500 experiences focused on nature connection and outdoor learning to young people who would otherwise be the least likely demographic in the country to spend time in the nation’s most beautiful landscapes.

Delivered by a coalition of 24 organisations and funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), this £4.5 million project aims to help address major inequalities in access to nature by cultivating a wider interest in green spaces among the next generation, fostering lifelong wellbeing benefits among participants and opening protected places to a wider demographic.

All courses are based in protected landscapes such as National Parks, National Landscapes and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Generation Green 2 supports key recommendations in the 2019 Landscapes Review, addressing the need for a wider range of first-time visitors to engage with protected landscapes in order to help make them fit for the future.

Connections for the future

Poorer communities and people from ethnic minorities in the UK have the worst access to green spaces. Research has shown that 18% of children living in the most deprived areas never spend time in any kind of natural space. 

Almost half of the country’s most socially deprived areas are more than 15 miles by road from a protected landscape (such as a National Park or National Landscape), and opportunities to explore these landscapes are hindered by inadequate transport options.  

Yet an extensive body of research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature connection also leads to more willingness to take action to help our wildlife and the environment. In the context of collapsing biodiversity and the climate crisis, closer relationships with nature are more vital than ever before.

Generation Green 2 aims to help disadvantaged young people forge lifelong connections to nature by taking them on multi-day residentials, farm visits, day trips and nights under the stars, all based in National Parks, National Landscapes and Sites of SSSIs. 

These experiences will help young people connect with nature, cultivate a sense of care for the countryside, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time in the outdoors.

High demand

This ambitious project is being delivered by the Access Unlimited (AU) Partnership, a unique coalition of not-for-profit youth organizations, school residential outdoor providers, and organisations managing protected landscapes. 

The AU coalition includes the YHA (England & Wales), The Outward Bound Trust, Field Studies Council, Girlguiding, Scouts, National Parks England, and the National Landscapes Association. Nine National Park Authorities and eight National Landscapes are involved in course delivery.

Funding for Generation Green 2 has been provided by Defra as part of its ongoing support of access to nature.

Participants in the project will be young people from geographic locations in England falling into the Index of Multiple Deprivation scale (1-3), and through schools that exceed a threshold of 30% of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding. 

Delivery of Generation Green 2 began in spring this year and has so far enabled almost 6,000 young people to take part in experiences across England. Demand for courses from participating schools and groups has been extremely high and there is currently little remaining availability.

Feedback so far has often testified to the value and power of outdoor learning, with one teacher remarking: “It was amazing to see the interaction between different year groups and students that wouldn’t normally talk to each other at school. On this trip they have been smiling, relaxed and willing to chat to each other.” 

Further information about Generation Green 2 is available here: www.yha.org.uk/generationgreen.

“Since 1930 YHA has been committed to helping young people connect with nature and the outdoors, especially those with least access. Unique and innovative programmes like Generation Green 2 give us the unique opportunity to work alongside major not-for-profit outdoor education partners to deliver even more life-enhancing experiences across our youth hostel network in England. This project brings the vision of a night under the stars for every child one step closer.”

Martin Davidson, Chief Executive, The Outward Bound Trust 

“We were excited to be able to offer again unique guided access for the young people most in need of the opportunities that many of us take for granted. Showing them that nature can not only provide a lifetime of enjoyment and wellbeing but can also offer opportunities for incredible future study and rewarding, fulfilling careers. We are pleased to have played a part in their journey of discovery.”

Aidan Jones, Chief Executive, Scouts 

“National Parks are critical to providing access to green spaces for the nation and we are delighted that through Generation Green 2 thousands of young people will be enabled to connect with nature within our spectacular landscapes. Being alongside nature in National Parks and learning about how we conserve and enhance our natural environment is an inspiring and exciting journey that we want all young people to have a chance to experience.”

Jayne Butler, Executive Director, National Parks England

“The UK’s National Landscapes teams are thrilled and proud to be part of this project. This generous investment from UK Government will enable us to take a significant step forward in our mission to bring amazing experiences in National Landscapes to even more young people. Two thirds of the population of England lives within half an hour’s journey time of their nearest National Landscape, being able to connect and enjoy these treasured places on their own terms will give them a genuine stake in their future. Working with our partners in the Access Unlimited coalition, we will ensure that more of our young people have the chance to connect with the nature, culture and wonder of their nation.”

John Watkins, CEO, National Landscapes 

“We’re very glad that further funding has been granted to this project. We know how important access to the outdoors is for children’s mental wellbeing, so being able to experience outdoor spaces, particularly for young people who might not usually have access, is really positive.

 “At Girlguiding, we want girls to experience adventure and connect with the outdoors, and this funding allows us to continue to invest in girls’ access to nature through our residential camps and outdoor activities.”

Angela Salt, CEO, Girlguiding