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

Learning Paper 4 Engaging Young People in the Environment: Achievements, What Worked, Lessons Learned (920 KB)

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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.

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.