Ten organisations, campaigning to support their local communities and the environment, have been granted funding to help get young people outdoors and connecting with nature.

Each of the ten successfully applied to The Ernest Cook Trust for a grant towards funding the salary of an Outdoor Learning Officer, whose mission is to promote the benefits of getting outdoors to young people and their communities. The ten were selected because of their ability to support disadvantaged young people and/or those living in deprived areas.

The grant for each organisation is worth up to £15,000 per year, for three years. This was the second cohort of Outdoor Learning Officers to be funded by The Ernest Cook Trust, bringing the total based across the UK to 20.

Suzie Paton, The Ernest Cook Trust’s head of grants, said each of the organisations receiving the grant had demonstrated their commitment to helping young people get outdoors to become better connected with nature.

“We know that inspirational role models are key to helping young people form lasting connections with the natural environment,” she said. “This is why we prioritise charities and organisations whose approach is to encourage young people to enjoy the outdoors and engage with nature.”

Each Outdoor Learning Officer will also join The Ernest Cook Trust’s Outdoor Practitioners Education Network (OPEN), sharing best practice and exchanging ideas and skills.

The ten organisations with a new Outdoor Learning Officer are:
1. Action for Conservation, Brecon, South Wales
2. Brathay Trust, Ambleside, Cumbria
3. Beechbrae, Blackridge, West Lothian
4. Earth Moves Cooperative, Wallasey, Merseyside
5. Full Circle Food Project, Ashington, Newcastle
6. Grow Wakefield, West Yorkshire
7. It’s Your Life, Tower Hamlets, London
8. Stepney City Farm, London
9. St Werburghs City Farm, Bristol
10. Warm Hut UK, Salford

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