NPUK Youth Voice
National Parks Youth Voice
The UK’s first-ever Youth Voice Conference, held in the picturesque Peak District National Park last year, was a groundbreaking event that brought together Youth Voice representatives from across all UK National Parks. The event served as a platform for these young leaders to address crucial issues, with a primary focus on communication, climate, and ensuring their voices are heard for a sustainable future. Workshops were one of the central objectives of the conference, empowering young attendees with the skills and confidence to effectively express their thoughts and concerns. These workshops aimed to equip our Youth Voice Reps with the tools needed to make a meaningful impact on the decisions that shape their future, as well as building strong networks with other youth representatives and professionals from across the UK.
The conference marked a historic moment as the first gathering of youth representatives from National Parks. To ensure that the voices of the youth were not only heard but translated into tangible actions. Their vision is to contribute to meaningful policy changes, advocate for environmental sustainability, and bring about a more inclusive and diverse approach to decision-making. Young representatives came together to build the foundations of a more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable future for themselves and generations to come. Their passion, determination, and commitment to change were the driving forces behind this historic gathering. You can find the video from the conference below, or the Welsh subtitled version here.
Creating a lasting legacy
Following the successful launch of last year’s Youth Voice conference, in August this year, 38 young individuals hailing from various regions, including Scotland, the UK, and Europe, gathered for the Cairngorms Youth Climate Camp. This event saw participation from National Parks, EUROPARC, and Scottish Youth Local Action Groups (LAG). The Cairngorms Youth LAG played a significant role in commissioning this event, with program development being a collaborative effort between the Cairngorms Youth Action Team and Cairngorms National Park Authority staff.
The camp featured a lineup of activities, including workshops, field trips, and outdoor adventures, all centered around the themes of nature and climate crises. The program was organized around three distinct days: Climate and Nature Crisis; A day dedicated to exploring the pressing issues of climate change and its impact on the natural world, Wild Adventure and Nature Connection; Participants enjoyed immersive experiences in the wilderness, fostering a deeper connection with nature and Youth Action; The camp culminated in a day focused on empowering young individuals to take action and make a positive difference in their communities and beyond. You can find full details and Executive summary of the Climate Camp here.
Our Youth Voice Leaders
Stories from Green Leaders , Discover more (opens in a new tab)
Here are just a few of the Green Leaders who have benefitted from our Generation Green careers skills and engagement programmes and some of those who have helped them.
Youth Voice stories , Discover More (opens in a new tab)
The UK’s National Parks are putting policy into action. Here are some stories from Young Leaders about how that happens.
The people you work and learn from are either professional rangers, environmentalists or volunteers who are older and have amazing knowledge and experience. You have to adapt and absorb as much as you can.
Ready to take the next step?
Apprenticeships , Start your journey (opens in a new tab)
Links to information, opportunities and vacancies.
Volunteer , Discover (opens in a new tab)
Start your journey with National Parks. Discover more about our volunteering vacancies throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
Discover more
Green Beacons (opens in a new tab)
Green Beacons supports outdoor educators and youth leaders to be inspirational figures who light the way for young people to work in the Green Economy.
Green Shoots (opens in a new tab)
Green Shoots supports activities, learning and outreach programmes that connect children and young people to nature and the outdoors.
Green Leaders (opens in a new tab)
Green Leaders is about giving young people the opportunity – today – to take a leadership role in caring for and protecting our National Parks, nature and the environment.
The impacts of a changing climate are increasingly being felt in the places around us. Our research shows that 69% of people care strongly about flooding and extreme weather.
People want to see practical action that helps prepare for the future. That means organisations preparing for future pressures, restoring damaged landscapes and working alongside communities to protect the places they value.
Discover how National Parks are building resilience for the future on our website 🔗💚
#NationalParksUK #Resilience
Our National Parks can help create a more resilient future for everyone 💚
Resilience isn’t just about responding when things go wrong. It’s about investing in nature now, restoring the landscapes we depend on and preparing for the challenges ahead.
Because whatever comes next, our National Parks can be part of the solution, helping people, places and wildlife be ready.
#Resilience #NationalParks
Everyone should have the chance to experience days like this 🌊
In Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, work is underway to make the coastline more accessible to everyone. This pioneering project shows what`s possible when engineering, partnerships and dedicated programmes come together to open up new opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors.
The scheme now operates from 17 locations, supported by a book-and-collect service.
Read more and discover more stories of access and community from across all 15 National Parks on our website 🔗💚
#Accessibility #BeachWheelchairs #Pembrokeshire
Access looks different for everyone. For some, it`s about removing physical barriers that make taking part difficult. For others, it`s about feeling welcome, having the confidence to get involved and knowing that there’s a place for you in the outdoors.
National Parks are for everyone. Across all 15 National Parks, programmes are helping people with a wide range of needs feel included, connected and part of their local communities – from children with complex needs to people with limited mobility.
Head to the link in our bio to find out how National Parks are supporting communities and inclusivity 🔗💚
#NationalParks #Acccess #Community
Better access and stronger communities? National Parks could hold the answer 💚
Every day, our National Parks are helping more people to feel included. From breaking down barriers and building confidence, to creating more accessible routes and opening up opportunities for young people, they`re helping people connect with nature, improve their wellbeing and feel part of their communities.
#NationalParksUK #Access #Community
National Parks mean something different to all of us, but for many, they`re part of the answer to some of our biggest challenges or top priorities at the moment.
If you want to tell us about how National Parks impact your lifestyle, tell us in the comments or click the link in our bio to complete our anonymous survey. 💚
#NationalParksUK
In North York Moors National Park a project that champions both the community and insects is thriving. GrubsUp! has already planted native hedgerows, restored grasslands, created ponds and improved roadside verges so insects can move more easily between isolated pockets of habitat.
Working with farmers, landowners and local volunteers, the project shows the possibilities for nature when a local community comes together.
Read more and discover more nature recovery stories on our website 🔗🌿 #NatureRecovery #NationalParks
Our research shows we care about our natural environment and are looking for ways to protect it. National Parks are places where nature recovery takes place within local communities, every day.
Programmes range from reintroducing endangered species through to conservation work to to protect and restore land.
Discover how National Parks are recovering nature by clicking the link in our bio🔗 💚
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
