Young people and nature
Helping young people take action for wildlife
We’re passionate about helping young people connect with nature, take action for wildlife and the environment, and giving them a platform to make their voice heard. We know that young people that are connected to nature are happier and healthier, mentally and physically. We also know that young people are the ones inheriting this damaged world and that we need to support them to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to tackle the dual climate and ecological emergencies.
Would you like to make a positive difference to you, your local environment, and community?
Our range of programmes and opportunities could be just what you’re looking for.
Ways you can get involved
Make your voice heard! Join our Youth Forum
Worried about climate change? Passionate about outdoor learning? Join our Youth Forum and speak out about wildlife and environmental issues. Connect with other like-minded passionate young people and make a noise about the issues that matter to you. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your skills and confidence.
Our Youth Forum is open to young people aged 14 – 25 and meets on average every two months. Youth Forum members get to take part in campaigns and practical action for wildlife. Members are also invited to represent Ulster Wildlife at events and activities and provide the organisation with the views of young people on environmental issues.
To find out more contact Sheila Lyons (Volunteer and Training Coordinator) by email sheila.lyons@ulsterwildlife.org or mobile 07703 673217
Get wild and well in the Belfast Hills with Wild Youth
Live in North and West Belfast? Want to get outdoors in the Belfast Hills, take part in wildlife and conservation activities, and improve your health and well-being? Our Wild Youth project is for you.
Young people aged 11-25 can take part in free Wild Wellbeing sessions through their school or local youth group work. This is a great opportunity to get wild and well and acquire new skills such as bushcraft, orienteering, geocaching, and practical conservation like tree planting and surveying wildlife. You will also gain recognition through the Wild Youth Award or John Muir Award scheme.
There are also opportunities for older teens and early 20s to train and volunteer as Wild Youth Leaders or Wild Youth Rangers working alongside staff, boosting their employability and work skills.
Wild Youth is about youth empowerment and in line with this, young people can also get involved in the project steering group helping to shape the direction of the programme.
Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, Ulster Wildlife is working with the Belfast Hills Partnership to deliver Wild Youth.
To find out more visit the Wild Youth website or contact Aine Sweetnam (Outreach Officer) by email at aine.sweetnam@ulsterwildlife.org or mobile 07539 741699.
Binevenagh Residential - perfect for the Duke of Edinburgh’s and Gaisce Awards schemes
Every summer, we run a week-long residential for young people aged 16 – 25 in partnership with Magilligan Field Centre and the Binevenagh Landscape Partnership scheme. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the week involves a mixture of practical conservation work, habitat surveys and conservation-related education sessions as well as outdoor pursuits, free time and fun evening activities.
The week is especially valuable for young people wanting to complete the residential element of Award schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Gaisce Award. Our 2023 residential will run from Monday 31st July to Friday 4th August.
To register for a place contact Alexey Janes (Community Engagement Manager) by email at Alexey.Janes@ulsterwildlife.org or mobile 07816 065919
Sustainable Youth - Training and resources for Youth Workers
We are delighted to have worked with the Education Authority’s Youth Service to deliver a brand new ‘Youth Work for the Environment and Sustainability' curriculum model called Sustainable Youth. We piloted the programme in 2021/2022 and there is now a range of practical resources and training available to support delivery throughout Northern Ireland.
To find out more contact Alexey Janes (Community Engagement Manager) by email at Alexey.Janes@ulsterwildlife.org or mobile 07816 065919
