Youth Rangers at the Deneway Feb 2025 Kai HiltonWhy focus on youth?
Growing potential
Young people are often disproportionately affected by a number of challenges to getting involved in nature’s recovery. Limited access to green spaces, the cost and availability of transport, financial pressures, a lack of confidence, and simply not knowing where to start can all make it harder to connect with nature. At the same time, young people are often underrepresented in conversations and decisions about the environment, despite helping to shape its future.
What’s the priority?
Welcoming spaces, meaningful action
We’re committed to creating welcoming spaces where young people can connect with wildlife, build skills and confidence, develop meaningful relationships, influence change and have their voices heard. By supporting young people to get involved today, we’re helping grow a stronger, more inclusive movement for nature and a wilder Sussex for the future.
Youth Rangers planting wildflowers at The Deneway May 2026 Archie Taplin
Youth event walk and talk at Old Lodge with Callum Forster Katie BellHow we’re doing it
Youth-powered projects
From hands-on conservation volunteering to leadership, work experience, training and career development, our youth programmes support young people to build skills, gain experience and make a difference for wildlife.
How we’re doing it
Youth Forum
A welcoming and creative meet-up every month for 16–25 year olds who want to help influence youth action at Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Come along in person to The Keep in Brighton, or join online.
Sussex Wildlife Trust Youth Forum
SAND project visit to Wiston © Katie BellHow we’re doing it
Work experience
One of our current work experience opportunities is delivered in partnership with The SAND Project, supporting young people aged 16-25 with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plan). Trainees gain hands-on experience with our Grazing Team, learning how to care for the conservation grazing animals that help maintain habitats and support wildlife across our nature reserves. Along the way, they build confidence, develop practical skills and explore potential careers in conservation.
We’re excited to develop more work experience opportunities for young people in the future.
