South Downs Youth Action returns bigger and better than ever!
July 29, 2021
Young people are being invited to get involved in hands-on conservation as South Downs Youth Action returns with an exciting programme this summer and autumn.
A series of inspirational free events have been organised across Hampshire and Sussex to help young people connect with nature and find out more about the environment.
Well over 200 places have been made available and experiences include photographing wildlife, learning more about meadow wildlife, clearing plastic from beaches and learning more about chalk grassland, often called “Europe’s tropical rainforest in miniature”.
As well as the day trips, new for 2021 are two fun weekend residential experiences – at Truleigh Hill, near Shoreham, and the South Downs Youth Hostel in Southease, East Sussex.
The experiences are for anyone aged 16 to 25 and online booking is now open.
Daniel Greenwood, Volunteering Development Officer for the South Downs National Park, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to get South Downs Youth Action up and running again as we had to cancel last year’s programme because of the pandemic. We’re back for 2021 with a programme bigger than ever before.
“These experiences are perfect for anyone who is is passionate about making a difference for the environment and looking to learn practical conservation skills.
“The events and residential experiences are accessible for all and will be very relaxed and informal, with no previous experience necessary.
“We know volunteering and conservation activities have been limited over the past 18 months, so this is a great opportunity for young people to get out into the fresh air, socialise, get up close to the amazing South Downs landscape and wildlife, and learn some new skills. It could even be the start of their green career!”
Over 20 Youth Action Days will take place throughout from August to October, hosted by partner organisations across the South Downs National Park.
South Downs Youth Action is organised by the South Downs National Park Authority with additional funding from Generation Green, Clarion Housing, South Downs National Park Trust and the Ernest Kleinwort Foundation.
All activities are free of charge. Participants can claim back expenses for travel and meals. Registration is essential and people can book a place by visiting www.southdowns.gov.uk/sdya
- Generation Green is the first project to be delivered by the Access Unlimited coalition. The coalition comprises YHA (England & Wales) – which is hosting the project on behalf of the partners – The Outward Bound Trust, Scouts, Girlguiding, Field Studies Council and the 10 English National Parks.
- Earlier this year Access Unlimited was awarded £2.5m by the National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of Defra. The green recovery funding is aimed at giving young people the opportunity to connect with nature through new jobs, training, volunteering and outdoor learning experiences.
