Generation Green 2, a £4.5million pioneering and ambitious project which will connect even more than 25,000 young people living in England’s most socially disadvantaged areas to nature, is in full swing.
Funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of its ongoing support of access to nature, Generation Green 2 is being delivered by the strong Access Unlimited (AU) coalition, which is led by YHA.
Following a second round of funding, AU members – YHA, The Outward Bound Trust, Field Studies Council, Girlguiding, Scouts, nine National Park Authorities and eight National Landscapes – are now delivering more than 41,500 day and overnight nature connection experiences.
The activities being delivered aim to directly address research that shows 18% of children living in the most deprived areas never spend time in any kind of natural space.
Generation Green 2 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 even more young people.
Young people will get to build lifelong connections to nature through activities like multi-day residentials, farm visits, day trips and nights under the stars, all based in National Parks, National Landscapes and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Already schools from across England have benefited from a number of the 6,700 Generation Green 2-funded one or two night residential stays at youth hostels, including St John Bosco Arts College in Croxteth, Liverpool.
Thirty students from the school enjoyed a two-night residential trip to YHA Malham in North Yorkshire. For some students, it was not only their first time out of Liverpool but their first time connecting with nature in a rural landscape.
Amy Armstrong, teacher and Key Stage 4 Geography Coordinator at St John Bosco Arts College, said: “It felt incredible to be given the opportunity to bring our students on a fully funded residential at YHA through Generation Green. The cost of trips like this is something that really limits us as a school.
“The young people in our area were impacted massively by COVID and the cost-of-living crisis, not only financially but socially and culturally too, and the school is generally feeling the impact of that with the level of deprivation rising in our city. Our staff provided 18 coats for the trip and it could not have happened without the support from YHA.”
Delivery of Generation Green 2 began in spring this year and has so far enabled more than 6,000 young people to take part in experiences across England.
An independent evaluation of the first Generation Green project carried out by the University of Derby showed that the facilitated day and residential trips led to an immediate significant impact in young people’s connection with nature and sense of inclusion in nature. The University of Derby are conducting similar research into the impact of Generation Green 2.
Welcoming Generation Green 2, AU coalition members commented:
“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.”
“Have you ever tried pitching a tent in the driving wind and rain, on your own? It’s tough, but much easier if you work together as a team. Or how about sitting with your friends watching a sunrise over the mountains the morning after? Now that’s beautiful. These are exactly the kinds of moments Generation Green 2 will unlock at scale, and it’s my firm belief that the more we expose Britain’s young people to them, the more they’ll understand not just themselves, but our wild places. And the more they do that, the more they’ll want to care for and protect them – not fear them. The positive difference Generation Green will make to our collective future cannot be understated.”
“Through Access Unlimited, the Field Studies Council has inspired thousands of young people to access nature for the first time and ignite that vital spark of curiosity in the world around us. We’ve seen their eyes widen, horizons expand, and possibilities multiply for their future relationship with the natural environment.
Our charity has enabled secondary school students and young adults to access personal and professional learning through online and place-based courses about nature. By utilising high-quality biodiversity publications and experiencing residentials at our specialist field centres, they can immerse themselves in some of nature’s most awe-inspiring locations.
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.”
“Generation Green will enable more than 3,200 Scouts to have the opportunity to further connect with nature by facilitating access to unique outdoor experiences. At Scouts, we support young people to engage with natural environments as it encourages personal development, curiosity, creativity and ultimately building on skills for life. This project bridges the gap and ensures as many young people as possible have a chance to benefit and learn from the outdoors.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Find out more about Generation Green 2.
Discover more about YHA.
