Young people lead community rewilding with National Lottery support
The Young Rewilders Networking Group (YOUNG), run by Climate Action North, has received £20,000 in National Lottery funding through Awards for All England – Environment.
The money will support young people across the North East of England to lead community rewilding activities. They will restore habitats, plant native species, create pollinator-friendly gardens, and run community rewilding events. The programme also helps participants gain skills and hands-on experience and explore green career paths.
Sharon Lashley, CEO of Climate Action North, said: "We’re excited to see young people leading the way in rewilding. This funding gives them the freedom, support, and confidence to develop new skills, receive mentoring, and explore nature-based careers all while making a real difference in their communities and local green spaces."
YOUNG started in August 2025 and is run by a youth steering committee. Over the next two years, the programme will support a growing network of young people through volunteering, mentoring, workshops, and events across the region. Mentors, many self-employed, help young people build skills, confidence, and leadership.
Cameron Gough, Chair of the YOUNG Committee, said: "Being part of YOUNG means we can take action for nature in our communities. We get hands-on experience, learn new skills, and help run the projects. It’s exciting to see our ideas come to life while building confidence and thinking about future careers.”
Members can also connect with the North East Rewilding Network (NERN) and groups such as Youngwilders and Wilder Northumberland. These links give young people access to wider networks while supporting local community rewilding.
The programme is open and flexible, so young people from all backgrounds can take part. Participants help plan and design activities, so projects meet local community needs.
This funding is part of the National Lottery’s commitment to supporting grassroots projects that protect nature and empower young people. The National Lottery Community Fund’s strategy, It starts with community, aims to distribute at least £4 billion by 2030. Its four key goals are to bring communities together, protect the environment, help young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.
Young people and mentors interested in joining YOUNG can find out more via Climate Action North. Email info@climateactionnorth.org.uk
The time for talking is over, today we need to act.