Young Londoners who lose their free travel due to bad behaviour or card misuse are being given the chance to earn their Oyster cards back by volunteering for London Wildlife Trust. The Mayor of London launched the scheme at the Centre for Wildlife Gardening at the very end of August 2009. It is giving young people the chance to spend a day volunteering on environmental and conservation projects across the capital. London Wildlife Trust, along with volunteering organisations ‘v’ and BTCV, are providing participants who opt to take part in the Earn Your Travel Back scheme with tasks that will help protect and improve the capital’s green spaces for everyone."This project gives young Londoners the chance to make a real difference to our city’s natural environment” says Carlo Laurenzi OBE, chief executive of London Wildlife Trust. “By choosing to volunteer to protect and maintain the capital’s valuable green spaces, the young people’s efforts are helping to open up these areas for the enjoyment of all Londoners. London Wildlife Trust is excited to be working in partnership with the Mayor on this compelling youth volunteering initiative” says Carlo. Young Londoners have the privilege of free travel but Transport for London withdraws it from young people who choose to behave badly on public transport. The Earn Your Travel Back scheme is optional and will provide those Londoners with a chance to both regain their valuable Oyster and do something practical and positive for their city.“This scheme is available for those youngsters that commit serious offences” explains Boris Johnson. “But I believe young people who have caused problems on our buses and had their free travel taken away should be given the opportunity to earn it back in exchange for putting something positive back into their community.” “Rolling up their sleeves for a day on a conservation project could be an incredible experience for them and I am thrilled that we have been able to get some superb charities involved with this scheme” says the Mayor.