The Environmental Leadership Programme (ELP) connects 18–25-year-olds with wildlife experts and campaigners and gets them involved in hands-on activities such as:  

• Hosting events for university students on campuses across the West Midlands, engaging with them about ways to get involved in the environmental sector
• Meeting with communities to celebrate the wildlife they may see whilst exploring along the canal towpaths of the West Midlands
• Holding events encouraging different generations to come together to act for nature
• Leading community craft events inspired by nature. 

Plus, there’s a chance for 100 young people to be involved in next year’s programme. Recruitment is taking place now, with applications for next year closing in October. 

The programme is a partnership between Shropshire Wildlife Trust and national charity The Wildlife Trusts, with national experts in youth activism supporting activity on the ground. It is funded by the players of the National Lottery. 

Now in its third year, it aims to strengthen the connection of young people to nature, deepen their understanding of what drives pro environmental change, and give them the skills to implement nature-focused campaigns with their local communities.  

From regional successes to shaping national action, the programme is transformative:  

• 75% of participants reported feeling more connected to nature having taken part in the programme. 
• Nearly 90% demonstrated their commitment to act through pledges to reduce waste and improve recycling, litter picking, engaging children with nature activities and installing bird feeders, to name a few. 

Participant, age 21, Birmingham says “I have gained more confidence in my ability to talk and collaborate with people I am not familiar with about topics that I deem to be important, for example with my campaign group where we all discuss ideas of how to improve nature connection. I have then been able to use this developing confidence in other aspects of my life outside of the programme.”  

Through the ELP programme, the partners have created a green careers workshop for schools, colleges and universities to help inspire young people to consider future-ready, sustainability-focused careers. Plus, a number of the programme’s alumni have moved into careers in the green space themselves. 

Cel Spellman, The Wildlife Trusts ambassador, says: 

“Backing young leaders isn’t just about their future - it’s about the future of our planet. It’s energising to see ELP support and empower young people to build knowledge, skills, and to find inspiration to take bold action for nature. There has never been a more critical moment to step up, join them, support them and make change happen. By giving them the tools they need, through programmes like this, the future is in safe hands."  

Shropshire Wildlife Trust has also launched a Youth Forum to give young people aged 16-30 a real voice in shaping the future of the charity. The forum is a space where members can share ideas about protecting the environment, pick up new skills, and learn more about careers and training in conservation.   

Dr Mya-Rose Craig, The Wildlife Trusts ambassador, says: 

"ELP and the wider environmental leadership programmes, empower young people to turn our love for nature into real change. Young people hold the key to protecting the natural world. Supporting young leaders today means a healthier, wilder world tomorrow."