The programme is open to young people aged 18-25 from underrepresented backgrounds, and will enable participants to undertake paid work placements in the natural environment and landscape sector.
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Revamped social action scheme sees NCS aim for greater impact
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Policy context: Access to the outdoors
The Zoological Society of London, The Woodland Trust, Bat Conservation Trust, City of Trees, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the National Trust are among the organisations offering roles through the programme.
Young people from ethnic minority groups, with disabilities, or those from low-income homes are encouraged to apply for the initiative.
The programme, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will be delivered by Groundwork in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, Mission Diverse, Disability Rights UK and the Youth Environmental Service.
It aims to create accessible pathways into entry-level roles to increase diversity within the environmental sector, and give young people paid experience within a sector they otherwise may not have considered.
Groundwork’s chief executive Graham Duxbury said: “One of the primary challenges for the environmental sector is to inspire and mobilise more people to connect with and care for nature so that we can make more rapid progress on reversing biodiversity loss and mitigating the worst impacts of climate change.
“We’ll only be successful in this if we can make the issues real and relevant to people’s lives, which in turn means bringing a more diverse set of voices and perspectives into the sector. I’m really delighted that we’re able to provide this opportunity for young people, who might not otherwise get the chance, to gain experience and start building their career.”
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “From the start, this has been a key project for us to support. The environment is for everyone, and it is so important to have a diverse range of voices involved in the care and sustaining of our precious natural heritage.
“It is especially important to support those who might find it more challenging to gain a foothold on the ladder, and so it is wonderful to welcome the first ten young people who start in their new roles in such exciting organisations.”
Ten young people have already started their placements, with 22-year-old Ferozah beginning a new role at WWF-UK, working across a range of public campaign activities.
They said: “New to Nature has provided an incredible opportunity to begin my career in the environmental sector. I studied Ecology at university, however I was apprehensive for my early career as I felt underrepresented and did not see many opportunities for people like me.
“Through my placement with WWF-UK, I am receiving excellent support and guidance in a positive and enriching environment, which is helping to build my confidence and develop my skills. I have gained a role within a fantastic organisation, and I am looking forward to the future ahead.”
The head of sustainable careers at WWF-UK, David Blackmore added: “We are really pleased to be a host organisation for New to Nature initiative and to be part of a programme that increases diversity and enriches the environmental sector. Securing an entry level position in the sector can be challenging and competitive, so we wanted to provide a development opportunity that is a great way for someone to get started on their career journey.
“We also want to showcase the range of exciting careers available in environmental charities, especially to those that may not have necessarily considered a career in the sector, including underrepresented groups. We are delighted to have Ferozah join our team and look forward to their contribution on this campaign and supporting their development throughout the placement.”
Alanis, 22, has similarly began a New to Nature placement at countryside charity CPRE, and said: “I’ve always been really interested in sustainability and social housing, so I was very excited to find out I’ve been offered the role of external affairs assistant at CPRE. I’m particularly impressed by the work they do to improve these sectors by influencing policy so I’m looking forward to contribute to it and make a positive impact.”
Sarah McMonagle, acting director of campaigns and policy at CPRE, added that the charity has been working to “improve equality, diversity and inclusion” internally, citing its Green Shoots scheme, which aims to encourage people from ethnic minority backgrounds to apply to the organisation.
She added: “We’re passionate about improving access to nature and creating a countryside for all – so that everyone can benefit from time outside regardless of their background.”
