Nature And Landscape

Young Environmental Stewardship Programme (YES)

The Young Environmental Stewardship (YES) programme will empower 186 young people aged 11–20; many of whom are disengaged from formal education, to build a lifelong connection with nature and become confident, skilled custodians of Scotland’s natural heritage. By engaging them in hands-on conservation, outdoor learning and accredited awards, we will nurture their wellbeing, self-esteem and leadership potential whilst restoring at-risk natural heritage sites across Edinburgh, the Lothians and specific rewilding sites further afield. Co-designed with young people, YES offers a clear, progressive pathway for participants to gain practical skills, ecological understanding along with a voice and tools to advocate for Scotland’s nature. The legacy of YES will be a new generation of environmental leaders, a stronger network of peer-led stewardship and a model of inclusive, nature-based learning that can be shared and scaled. The programme will also strengthen The Green Team’s role as a sector leader in youth environmental engagement.