Keeping it Wild

                                    Keeping it Wild:

         Urban nature opportunities for young people in London 

London Wildlife Trust started its Keeping it Wild programme in 2018, with an initial phase of three years. Between 2018-2021, Keeping it Wild successfully inspired over 1000 young people to become actively involved in the protection and promotion of London’s natural heritage. Young people took part in Environmental Social Action Projects in their local communities, completed Paid Traineeships and were involved with our Youth Forum with the overall aim of making nature more inclusive, accessible and relevant to young people living in London. This initial stage was delivered by a partnership, led by London Wildlife Trust and included London Youth, Headliners UK and John Muir Trust. You can read the final impact report of the 2018-2021 phase here.  

The first phase of Keeping it Wild was one of 12 National Lottery Heritage Funded Kick the Dust projects. Further support came from George Bairstow Charitable Trust, and Tallow Chandlers Charitable Trust.  

We then received further funding for the project, which means we had the exciting opportunity to continue the impactful work being achieved with young people at the Trust from 2021 to 2024. This included another 42 paid traineeships for young people and the development of our new Youth Board. During this phase, we also further built on our Green Careers Showcase, attracting nearly 400 young people to learn about careers in the green sector. This phase increased the diversity of young people in the sector, gave young people a voice in the Trust, and helped young people improve their skills for and awareness of the conservation sector.  

This phase was funded by the Mayor of London and the National Lottery Heritage Fund with support from the Westminster Foundation, the Kusuma Trust and The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers. 

We are thrilled to be continuing these three important strands of our work, with further traineeships confirmed until mid-2028, our fantastic Youth Board continuing their work, and with the Green Careers Showcase confirmed for 2025. This next phase is supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, the Linbury Trust, the Westminster Foundation and Investec. 

For more information, get in touch at youth@wildlondon.org.uk.  

Supported by:
 

• Mayor of London 

• Heritage Fund 

• Kusuma Trust 

• Westminster Foundation 

• Linbury Trust 

• Reaching Communities 

• Investec 

• The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers