The first Generation Green project, which ran for 16 months in 2021-22, connected young people to nature, created jobs and saved jobs, and helped build an aspirant workforce for a green recovery.
Through new jobs, training, volunteering roles, residentials and outdoor and online learning experiences, the project provided more than 115,000 opportunities to connect young people to nature – many for the first time – and to cultivate a sense of care for the natural environment.
Celebrating our impact
Hear from the people involved in this ground-breaking project - the Access Unlimited coalition partners, volunteers, apprentices, charities, groups, teachers and thousands of young people who have been connected to nature by the myriad of opportunities delivered across England.
You can download the Generation Green celebration and impact report, or watch our video.
Why was the project needed?
The environment workforce is one of least diverse workforces in England.
It has never been more important to support young people’s routes into employment. Young people from deprived areas, BAME groups and disadvantaged backgrounds have fewer opportunities to experience nature and the outdoors at an early age, affecting their engagement with the natural environment in later life.
The Generation Green project enabled us to support jobs, placements, apprenticeships and volunteering.
Connections to nature improve wellbeing.
We know there are five things that help us connect better to nature and maximise these wellbeing benefits, with thanks to the Nature Connectedness Research Group at University of Derby. This project had a specific remit to look at ways to respond to these challenges.
Physical contact with the natural world
Finding an emotional bond with, and love for, nature
Taking time to appreciate the beauty of nature
Thinking about the meaning and signs of nature
Showing compassion and care for nature
How did the project help?
Generation Green supported thousands of young people.
Improving diversity of access to nature and the natural world, for young people now and in the future
Testing approaches to ensure more children and young people connect with – and care for – nature
Delivering activities to inspire young people to see their career aspirations in the environment and outdoor learning sector
Who benefited from the project?
While the project delivered national reach and benefited young people aged 7 years and upwards, the primary target group was young people aged 14 to 26 years from the North, Midlands, and coastal and deprived urban areas.
At the very core of these are young people that are traditionally less likely – due to social, economic and cultural factors – to connect with nature, or engage with nature and nature preservation/conservation.
Who ran the project?
Generation Green was the first project to be delivered by the Access Unlimited coalition. The coalition comprises YHA (England & Wales) – who hosted the project on behalf of the partners – The Outward Bound Trust, Scouts, Girlguiding, Field Studies Council and the 10 English National Parks.
The project capitalised on the coalition partners' combined reach of more than two million young people.
YHA (England & Wales)
The Outward Bound Trust
Scouts
Girlguiding
Field Studies Council
English National Parks
How was the project funded?
Generation Green was funded by the Government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forestry Commission.
