Natural Potential has been produced by The Wildlife Trusts in partnership with seven other organisations* and is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).  It showcases a range of social education and personal development opportunities offered by the natural heritage sector; highlighting a range of projects, from inner city Sheffield to rural Cumbria, covering activities as diverse as mountain biking to hedge-laying, park planning to advocacy. 

Helen Freeston, The Wildlife Trusts’ people and wildlife manager, said:  “The sort of environmental, conservation, and sustainable development activities our sector provides can truly enhance the lives of young people.  With sustainable development values and principles now being promoted as at ‘the core of the education system’ in the Government’s UK Sustainable Development Strategy, we expect this sort of engagement to become more and more significant to everyone providing services for young people.

“Environmental organisations can offer experience of working in partnership with individual young people, youth groups and youth supporters in the statutory, voluntary, and private sectors.  We have unique access to attractive local sites, staff and volunteers with diverse experience and expertise and a track record of innovative project development and community participation.

“Natural Potential illustrates approaches already successful in engaging young people: activities which are exciting, stimulating, fun, and based on their own needs and interests.  By providing fresh experiences and enabling youngsters to develop a positive relationship with the natural environment we create an effective route for learning about how to protect and sustain it.”

For further information please contact:

Anna Guthrie