The National Landscapes Association believes that a meaningful connection with nature is a right every child should have, no matter their background or where they grow up.
This is about more than a walk in the woods or a trip to the countryside, it’s about giving young people the chance to feel part of something bigger, to take time out of their day-to-day lives, to explore and to belong.
That belief sits at the heart of Generation Green 2, a £4.5 million project designed to connect over 25,000 young people – many from some of the most disadvantaged areas in England – with nature and rural life.
Delivered by Access Unlimited, a coalition of not-for-profit organisations, the project has been a powerful example of what can happen when organisations come together with a shared purpose.
Over the course of the project, National Landscapes across England provided over 3,300 young people with life-changing opportunities, through more than 1,200 day experiences, 900 residentials and 600 farm-based visits. From beach schools in Northumberland to days spent at Bath City Farm, and even nights sleeping under the stars, these moments weren’t just fun, they were transformative.
Helen Wilson-Beevers, Communication Lead at Northumberland Coast National Landscape, said, “It’s been amazing to see how many partners have come together to deliver these incredible experiences for young people. The removal of practical barriers such as the cost of travel, combined with a shared commitment to connecting children with the countryside, has opened up protected landscapes for the next generation.”
The impact goes far beyond the smiles on faces and muddy boots. Countless studies confirm what many of us already know, nature is good for us. It lifts our spirits, supports our wellbeing and helps us feel more connected. For young people navigating uncertain futures, particularly those from underserved communities, these experiences can shift perspectives and open new paths.
John Watkins, CEO of the National Landscapes Association, said, “Young people’s backgrounds shouldn’t determine or restrict their access to nature but sadly, it often does. Projects like Generation Green help remove those barriers. Seeing the difference that makes, not only to a child in that moment, but to their confidence, outlook and aspirations, is one of the greatest privileges of this role.
“Generation Green wasn’t just about access. It was about possibility. It was about offering a first taste of the outdoors that could kick-start a lifetime of curiosity, care, and even careers in the environment sector.”