Lottery funding backs young nature champions
Cash award will fund expansion of young rewilders movement. Tony Henderson reports
A funding boost will swell the ranks of young people helping to rewild locations in the North East.
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 to lead community rewilding activities, including restoring habitats, planting native species, creating pollinator-friendly gardens, and running community rewilding events.
The programme also helps participants gain skills and hands-on experience and explore green career paths.
Sharon Lashley, chief executive 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.”
“Each new member brings fresh energy and ideas, helping us grow and creating a supportive community of young rewilders.”
“We want to empower the next generation of rewilders in the North East. By building a strong network of young people who care about nature, alongside practical tasks such as planting trees and flowers, we’re helping ideas, skills, and connections grow too.”
YOUNG was launched in August 2025 and is run by a youth steering committee. Over the next two years, the programme will support a growing network of participants.
Cameron Gough, chairman of the YOUNG committee, said: “Being part of YOUNG means we can take action for nature in our communities. 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.
This funding is part of the National Lottery’s commitment to supporting grassroots projects that protect nature and empower young people.
Young people and mentors interested in joining YOUNG can find out more by emailing info@climateactionnorth.org.uk
This year the group will look to recruit around 50 members to the YOUNG network.
The Young Rewilders will also organise their own conference in September to promote the group, recruit members, carry out practical tasks, take part in workshops and training, and make business and future green careers connections.
Practical activities and upcoming projects for the Young Rewilders Networking Group include:
Free the Trees at Dalton Park, County Durham, to remove redundant guards from trees around the 55-acre parkland and collect these for repurposing by a local recycling centre.
Wilding The Wall to celebrate World Rewilding Day on March 20. The young rewilders will plant native shrubs and wildflowers around the gabion walls at Dalton Park Pollinator Park’s garden to help soften the wall areas while also providing a habitat for biodiversity.
The group will host online webinars aimed at involving young people in talks which raise awareness of topics such as community rewilding, green careers, social entrepreneurship and mentoring.