The Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, has launched a new initiative to give young people across the country the opportunity to win funding to help tackle climate change. The Youth Innovation Competition offers a chance to secure part of a £20,000 prize to support environmental projects.
The competition comes against the backdrop of an alarming Met Office announcement that 2022 was the warmest year in the UK on record, highlighting the desperate need for climate change action.
£5,000 each for nine individuals or small groups
Nine individuals or small groups (aged between 16-25) will win up to £5,000 project funding each, along with mentorship from leading industry experts to deliver projects which directly fight the climate crisis.
The projects will need to fit into three categories: inspire, protect and create. This could include anything from tree planting projects and championing ancient trees to innovative ideas that aid farming and the protection of UK rivers and wildlife.
Moorcroft: Getting more trees in the ground is vital
Woodland Trust chief executive Dr Darren Moorcroft said,
“Young people can often feel very anxious and helpless about climate change but want the opportunity to make a difference.
“We know trees are one of our best defenses against the climate crisis – and getting more trees in the ground is vital if we are to see a positive future for people and wildlife.”
Workshops for top 18 applications
The top 18 applications will be invited to take part in workshops that will teach them how to professionally pitch their project idea and the finalist will go on to present their environmental innovations to a panel of celebrity judges and experts.
Grace Howourth, Head of Youth Re-imagined at the Woodland Trust said,
“We need more young people to become advocates for woods and trees and we are excited to be able to open this opportunity to help fund important projects which will directly address the climate and nature crisis.”
Don’t miss the deadline
Applications for the Youth Innovation Competition are now open and will close on 7th February 2023 at 4pm.
For more information on how to apply, please visit the Website or email [email protected].
Image: richard hepworth under CC BY 2.0
