Welcome to Naturally Connected Young People! 


This page contains information for young people taking part in the programme. 

By taking part in this programme you are a part of something special. You are joining other young people all over the UK who are spending more time in nature, helping them to feel happier and healthier.  

A schoolgirl reaching for the branches of a tree, smiling. Behind her can be seen a group of her classmates, sat on lush green grass

School children having a session with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust © Ben Connell

A group of young people walking away from the camera across a wide open field

Tree planting © Gavin Dickson

I really enjoyed all of the sessions and activities. It made me feel better. It made me think more about the environment
Young people taking part in the programme

But did you know that you are also helping The Wildlife Trusts to grow and learn how to get better at working with people your age? 

The feedback you give us during your time on the project will help us to change what we do, so that more young people from all over the UK can spend more time in nature every day.  

 

Taking part

This is a new programme and we want to include young people who haven’t had a chance to spend much time in nature before. If spending time exploring nature feels unfamiliar to you and takes you out of your comfort zone, then you’re exactly who we want to be a part of this programme! 

You don’t need special clothes to take part; you can wear whatever you are comfortable in. We might ask you to bring a coat or warm clothes if the weather is going to be bad.  
 

Session activities

You will have a member of The Wildlife Trusts with you at all times, who will explain what you will do in every session. There are loads of fun activities to feel connected to nature, here’s some things you might be doing: 

  • Making places for animals to sleep (like a bird box) or to eat (like a bird feeder that hangs in a tree)
  • Building dens
  • Making art using natural materials (like leaves, seeds, or sticks)
  • Having campfires and picnics with the whole group
  • Learning about different animals and insects that live in your local area
  • Photography  
     

Your journey

The young people who have joined the programme so far have told us how much they enjoyed the different activities and spending time with the other young people in the sessions. 

They’ve described the sessions as calming and they’ve taken their mind off things when they’ve been having a bad day. 

They also told us they got to develop new skills they never thought they would have the opportunity to learn.