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1,500 & Counting

1500th Green Influencer recruited to youth social action scheme

Green Influencers Abigail and Izzy from Shropshire whose Eco Fete raised money for Shropshire Wildlife Trust and WWF

Green Influencers relocating a garden and pond to a new safe site in Canada Water, London

Rushey Mead Wildlife Warriers carry out an insect survey, with plans to develop an all-weather classroom at their school in Leicestershire

I have realised I have influence and can make a difference to my community, so I will continue to do work to help the environment and other people
Student at Henry Fawcett Primary School, London

Our Green Influencers Scheme recently recruited its 1500th Green Influencer, underlining the remarkable ongoing success of the scheme in communities across England.

The scheme was born out of a desire to help young people realise their potential to positively impact the environment. Grants given to host organisations support the employment of 40 Green Mentors who enable young people to lead the way as ‘Green Influencers’ on their own social action projects.

Green Influencers learn new skills, gaining experience and confidence through projects that benefit their local communities while helping them create lasting and meaningful connections with the natural environment.

The Trust’s Chief Executive, Dr Victoria Edwards OBE, said:

What’s significant about the Green Influencers Scheme is the reach it has, and we are thrilled to be on course to enlisting 5000 young people. The enthusiasm of those involved is inspiring, and we have been so impressed with their ideas and their creativity. We are very grateful to the Green Mentors for the guidance they are giving.

As well as funding Green Mentors, the Trust provides grants towards some of the projects designed and implemented by Green Influencers. So far, these include a platform in Torbay to make accessing a local pond and its wildlife easier; a workbook for schools on the importance of wildlife in hedgerows, written and published by Green Influencers in Hull; and giving out seed packs to local residents in Southwark, London.

Applications for larger grants are assessed by the Trust’s Youth Advisory Board, a group of eight driven and passionate 14 to 20 year-olds who recommend applications for funding to the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

By establishing a Youth Advisory Board to assess applications for funding for projects, we are ensuring this really is a youth-led scheme, which will having lasting benefits to schools and communities.
Dr Victoria Edwards OBE, Chief Executive,
The Ernest Cook Trust

The Green Influencers Scheme is a project match-funded through the #iwill Fund which is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and Department of Culture, Media & Sport which are each investing £27million seed funding to support young people to access high-quality social action opportunities.