To mark The King’s coronation the Heritage Fund has boosted the New to Nature initiative with an additional £1m of funding.
The scheme – developed to mark The Queen’s platinum jubilee last year – has already got 10 young people into 12-month fixed-term roles in nature and landscape organisations across the UK. Nearly 60 more are now starting new placements.
This latest investment will create another 25 roles – bringing the total to 95.
Photo: Neil Hanna
Research shows that less than 7% of environment sector professionals are from diverse ethnic communities. The impact of the pandemic on young people’s employment prospects has further widened existing skills gaps and shortages in the UK.
New to Nature is providing high quality and potentially life-changing experiences for marginalised people struggling to get jobs. It’s also supporting the natural heritage sector to be more inclusive and diverse.
The trainees being funded are working in organisations including WWF-UK, the Zoological Society of London, The Woodland Trust, Bat Conservation Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the National Trust. Their responsibilities range from desk-based roles in communications and social media to outdoor conservation roles.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “New to Nature is a brand-new approach for us, supporting our strategic commitment to nature and inclusion.
“Our added investment of £1m reflects the success of the project so far. These people are the future of nature conservation, and we are delighted to support them.”
New to Nature is being delivered by Groundwork UK in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, Disability Rights UK, Mission Diverse and Youth Environmental Service.
