Learning Paper 4 Engaging Young People in the Environment: Achievements, What Worked, Lessons Learned

Introduction

This learning paper explores how the Our Bright Future programme successfully engaged young people aged 11 to 24 in environmental activities. It summarises what motivated participation, what supported retention, and what worked for young people furthest from support.

It’s written for funders, youth practitioners and environmental organisations.

Methodology

The paper brings together evidence from the programme’s 5‑year independent evaluation, including data from project leads, delivery staff and young participants. It synthesises learning from 31 projects, drawing on monitoring data, case studies and feedback collected across the programme.

Findings

The paper identifies key factors that helped engage young people, including:

• hands‑on activities

• supportive staff

• flexible approaches

• opportunities for progression

The programme engaged 128,495 young people, surpassing its target and reaching those with:

• additional needs

• disabilities

• mental health challenges

• limited access to support

Projects that saw higher engagement offered:

• meaningful roles

• social action opportunities

• practical conservation work

• practical conservation training

Young people valued feeling trusted, developing skills and having influence.

The paper highlights the importance of inclusive design, sustained relationships and adapting activities to young people’s circumstances and motivations.

Considerations

These findings come from a diverse set of projects with varying aims and participant groups. Learning reflects what worked within the Our Bright Future context and may differ elsewhere. Evidence is based on self-reported experience and qualitative findings rather than long-term impact data.