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Date updated: 24/11/2023

The Natural Environment's learning team offer a free programme of outdoor activities for 13-25 year-olds. This is aimed at young people who may be finding the education system a challenge, struggling to get a job, facing mental health issues or who have additional needs.

One-off sessions or programmes of several sessions are available, in term time or holidays.

The primary aim is to help young people to connect with nature and to enjoy the open spaces managed by the City of London.

The secondary aims include improved wellbeing, a boosting of confidence, developing teamwork and learning of new skills, including fusion skills.

  • Activities range from “light green” activities, to help young people feel comfortable in natural spaces, through to “deep green”, which include hands-on, practical outdoor work
  • Examples of “light green” activities include kite-flying, slacklining, eco-art and fire lighting
  • Examples of “deep green” activities include conservation work, gardening tasks and ecological surveys, through which young people can play an active, purposeful part in protecting the environment, while developing their self-esteem.
  • Sessions take place at Hampstead Heath, West Ham Park or Epping Forest
  • We have access to private areas at these sites, designed for specialist activities such as pond-dipping or campfire cooking
  • On occasion, sessions may take place on-site at schools or other settings such as Highgate Wood
  • We can work with accompanied individuals or small groups
  • People we work with already include youth clubs, pupil referral units, young carers' groups, refugee support charities and social prescribing health practices
  • If you work with young people who might benefit from this programme, please contact the Learning Team
  • The programme itself is free. Schools and youth organisations can apply for up to £300 from the School Visits Fund. This can be used for any reasonable essential costs associated with your visit such as transport or staff cover. Find out more here: http://schoolvisitsfund.org.uk/

Please email the Learning Team for further information.