The National Trust’s Green Academies Project (GAP) ran from January 2016 to December 2020. The project worked in six properties over five cities in England and Wales to establish and train young people to take responsibility for conservation of local outdoor places.
The project reached more than 10,000 young people through one off taster sessions as well as longer term volunteering.
More than 100 young people gained qualifications in subjects including conservation and land management.
69% of participants said they were more confident as a result of taking part in GAP
The project created or improved more than 100 community spaces
A significant outcome of GAP was that the wellbeing of communities and participants was enhanced through spending time in nature. Partners, communities and participants all noted significant improvements to the green spaces which benefited from GAP’s involvement.
‘[There’s] always new skills to be learned and new people too meet. I like how every day or work placement is never the same. I really enjoy volunteering.’ – GAP participant
Learn more about young people’s experiences of GAP by reading Daniel’s story, Aiden’s story and Sian’s story. You can also read the GAP evaluation report here.