'Our nature trips help young people most in need'

The Field Studies Council took a group of young people to Porlock Bay

A charity is running trips to help disadvantaged young people connect with nature.

The Field Studies Council is one of a number of organisations helping to play a role in the £4.5m Generation Green 2 project.

By next spring, the project will have enabled more than 41,500 "nature connection" experiences for young people, providing day and residential trips nationally.

Mark Castle, CEO of council, said: "We’re excited to be providing unique experiences and guided access to nature for the young people most in need of opportunity."

The year-long project began in spring 2024 and has so far enabled almost 6,000 young people to take part in experiences across England.

The Field Studies Council have been using several of its natural beauty sites and expects to welcome nearly 4,000 young people over the project after being awarded almost £800,000 of funding.

The council's Nettlecombe Court, situated in Exmoor National Park, will be offering 413 young people various activities to partake in, such as swimming at local river sites and visiting Porlock Bay.

Nettlecombe Court in Exmoor National Park

According to research, poorer communities and people from ethnic minorities in the UK have the worst access to green spaces, with 18% of children living in the most deprived areas never spending time in any kind of natural areas.

Robyn Landy, education team leader at Nettlecombe Court, told BBC Radio Somerset some young people "can be really unsure and fearsome" when they first step off the coach.

She said: "It’s really nice seeing the change in those students become more comfortable in their surroundings as they explore.”

'Step outside'

Mr Castle said: "Over recent months, we’ve already seen their [young people's] eyes widen, horizons expand, and possibilities multiply for their future relationship with the natural environment.

"For many of us, we take being able to step outside and explore the natural world for granted."