In a world increasingly removed from nature, it is more important than ever to engage young people in conservation.
Through our Youth Volunteering work we seek to increase the opportunities for young people to engage in the outdoors.
What is South Downs Youth Action?
We know that young people are passionate about nature and the environment, perhaps like never before in history. We want to ensure that young people are given the chance to get involved with the amazing range of activities happening in the South Downs National Park.
South Downs Youth Action (SDYA) is a youth volunteer programme run by the South Downs National Park Authority. Activities are led by our ranger teams and project staff who have a wealth of experience and knowledge in areas such as wildlife conservation, land management, cultural heritage, access to the countryside and environmental campaigning.
SDYA run volunteering ‘action day’ sessions for young people aged 16-25. The aims are:
- To make a difference for the environment
- Get experience towards a career
- Meet new people
- Support a college or university course
- Try something new
- Experience the South Downs
Get Involved!
Events take place throughout the year across the National Park. Each event is led by our ranger teams or partners and includes practical tasks as well as learning opportunities in wildlife conservation, landscape management and environmental campaigning.
You can sign up to one or more of these events on the Eventbrite page.
#iwill Fund
In partnership with Clarion Futures, the National Lottery Community #iwill Fund offers grants to partner organisations to fund youth volunteering opportunities that can be included within our Youth Action programme.
Taking place over the summer and autumn holidays, action days are devised with partner organisations to give young people diverse experiences and also to encourage other organisations to involve young people.
