Nature Nurtures - funding awarded for an innovative project rethinking youth volunteering

Nature Nurtures - funding awarded for an innovative project rethinking youth volunteering

Credit Eleanor Church

We are thrilled to have been awarded funding by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, delivered by Arts Council England to deliver our new project Nature Nurtures.

Nature Nurtures is a cross-sector consortium project led by London Wildlife Trust with partners Spread the Word, Black Girls Hike CIC and London Youth. It will work with 600 young people and partners to develop a new model for youth volunteering at the Trust, using creative nature writing as an innovative engagement tool. The project will focus on young people from under-represented groups, from Black and Asian and minoritised ethnic heritage, who are not currently accessing volunteering.  

By linking natural heritage with creative arts, Nature Nurtures will amplify positive environmental action. Increasing representation and giving young people the opportunity to explore identity and cultural heritage within the context of Natural Heritage. Arts and culture workshops led by Spread the Word will help make environmental issues relevant, personal and tangible. 

The project will also create suitable volunteering opportunities for young people aged 16-25 who are currently under-represented in the environmental, creative writing, and arts sectors. They will have the opportunity to attend monthly volunteering sessions and gain new skills in practical nature conservation including ‘Lead Volunteer’ training at various London Wildlife Trust nature reserves.

Via a range of workshops and training opportunities, Nature Nurtures will support young people to connect with their peers, build confidence, and boost physical and mental health. Activities include guided meditation, ‘forest bathing,’ immersive walks, mentoring, and OCN Level 1 accredited youth leadership training delivered by Black Girls Hike and London Youth.

Leah McNally, Director of Learning, Youth & Communities at London Wildlife Trust said: 

“We are really excited to be working with partners Spread the Word, Black Girls Hike and London Youth to develop a new model for youth volunteering at London Wildlife Trust. We will be delivering innovative nature-themed creative writing workshops, youth leadership and volunteer management training to get a wider range of creative young people involved in taking action for nature in London.” 

 

Young people walking through woodland

Credit Penny Dixie

This project builds on our experience from our three-year ‘Keeping it Wild’ youth engagement programme.

Find out more about the project and how to get involved here