Generation Green 2: Connecting disadvantaged young people to nature

National Parks in England are proud of their key role in Generation Green 2, a project which will connect more than 25,000 young people living in England’s most socially disadvantaged areas to nature and rural life through a host of inspiring experiences. 

This ambitious project will deliver more than 41,500 day and overnight nature connection experiences over 12 months to young people who would otherwise be the least likely to spend extended time in the country’s most beautiful landscapes.

Generation Green 2 aims to help address major inequalities in access to nature by cultivating a wider interest in green spaces among the next generation, fostering lifelong wellbeing benefits among participants and opening protected places to a wider demographic. 

Connections for the future 

Poorer communities and people from ethnic minorities in the UK have the worst access to green spaces. Research has shown that 18% of children living in the most deprived areas never spend time in any kind of natural space.  

Almost half of the country’s most socially deprived areas are more than 15 miles by road from a protected landscape (such as a National Park or National Landscape), and opportunities to explore these landscapes are hindered by inadequate transport options. 

An extensive body of research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature connection also leads to more willingness to take action to help our wildlife and the environment. In the context of collapsing biodiversity and the climate crisis, closer relationships with nature are more vital than ever before. 

Through evenings under the stars, multi-day residentials, farm visits and day trips in beautiful protected places, Generation Green 2 aims to help young people understand and value the natural environment, cultivate a sense of care for the countryside, promote responsible access, and access the wellbeing benefits of spending time in the outdoors.

Generation Green 2 has been enabled by funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as part of its ongoing support of access to nature.

Building on success

Generation Green 2 follows on from the work of the first Generation Green, a scheme which in recent years made a significant impact by connecting over 115,000 young people to nature through jobs, training, volunteering, and educational experiences.

Partnered with 15 organizations, the initiative created and saved jobs, helping to foster a green recovery and building an enthusiastic workforce for environmental stewardship.

This latest project is building on this success and getting even more young people out in nature by offering diverse opportunities for hands-on learning and outdoor adventures – inspiring many young people to develop a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Both Generation Green and this programme are delivered by the Access Unlimited (AU) Partnership, a unique coalition of not-for-profit youth organizations, school residential outdoor providers, and organizations managing protected landscapes. The AU coalition includes the Youth Hostel Association (YHA), The Outward Bound Trust, Field Studies Council, Girlguiding, Scouts, National Parks Authorities (via National Parks England), and the National Landscapes Association.

Demand for courses from participating schools has been extremely high and there is currently little remaining availability.

Generation Green 2 will connect more than 25,000 young people living in England’s most socially disadvantaged areas to nature and rural life through a host of inspiring experiences.