Learning Paper 2 Engaging Young People in the Environment: Benefits for Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Introduction

This learning paper explores how taking part in environmental activities through the Our Bright Future programme supported young people’s mental health and wellbeing. It summarises what improved, why, and for whom.

It’s written for funders, practitioners and policymakers designing programmes that use nature to support young people’s wellbeing.

Methodology

The paper brings together evidence from the programme’s independent evaluation, using:

• participant surveys

• project manager feedback

• case studies

wellbeing data, including projects using the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale

Findings reflect learning gathered across 31 projects between 2016 and 2021.

Findings

The evaluation found clear wellbeing benefits for many young people who took part in Our Bright Future. Spending time outdoors, engaging in practical conservation, and learning about nature helped reduce stress, anxiety and low mood. Young people reported feeling more:

• calm

• confident

• connected to others

• positive about their future

Project staff and teachers also observed improvements in self‑belief, emotional resilience and social connection.

While not every participant experienced wellbeing change, projects working with young people facing higher levels of need often reported the greatest impact. Approaches combining supportive staff, peer connection and meaningful outdoor activity were particularly effective.

Considerations

The learning reflects evidence collected across diverse projects with different aims and participant groups. Findings rely partly on self-reported wellbeing and case study insights. Wellbeing improvements may not apply universally and may depend on project design, participant needs and access to suitable green spaces.