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Sparking change: celebrating the youth council's achievements

Credit: Hazel Beckett

Since they began in 2023, the Woodland Trust youth council has been transforming the way we support and are supported by young people.

With their exciting new perspectives and unique expertise, this dynamic group sparks hope for the future. From speaking at parliamentary events to collaborating with other environmental organisations, discover some of the brilliant projects they have been involved with so far.

100%

of youth council members surveyed felt they had meaningfully engaged.

Being part of the youth council fills me with joy. The support of the youth team empowers me to make change through my youth council work, but also in my wider circles, my job, and my personal life because of the confidence that this role has given me. The work makes me hopeful for the future, especially when I see how passionate, thoughtful and hard-working the other youth council members are. The Woodland Trust really values our opinions and sees us as equals.

Youth council member

Credit: Hazel Beckett

Shaping environmental policy 

  • The youth council played a key role feeding into and reviewing the New England Tree Action Plan, making sure that young voices are heard in discussions about tree conservation.
  • They also contributed to the Defra Future of Trees and Forestry Forum, advocating for sustainable forestry policies. 
  • The council's important recommendations for encouraging youth participation in horticulture were featured in the Strong Roots report, a project led by the Woodland Trust in partnership with the National Trust, RHS and HTA.
  • Youth council members also delivered an interactive workshop on intersectionality and climate justice for the Woodland Trust’s campaigns and external affairs teams.

 

Credit: WTML / Alan Fletcher

Raising awareness  

  • Through creating informative social media videos, the youth council has played a vital role in highlighting why nature matters to people from all backgrounds. This has been particularly important in countering negative media narratives about environmental policies. 
  • The youth council have also spread awareness by working alongside our partners, with one member writing a thought piece on youth leadership on edie.net, a media brand with a focus on environmental issues. 

Credit: Rachael Chapman

Cross-organisation collaboration  

The youth council was proud to be part of the Cross ENGO event, which brought together passionate young representatives from eight different environmental organisations (National Trust, RSPB, SOS, Butterfly Conservation, ZSL, Chester Zoo, Wildlife Trusts). This was a chance to make friends, share expertise and inspire hope in the face of environmental challenges.

You can find out more about the outcomes of the day in the video below.  
 

Speaking at influential events  

  • Members of the youth council have been panellists on webinars as well as speakers at legacy and parliamentary events. 
  • At crucial milestone moments in campaigns, the youth council has stepped up to advocate for woods and trees. This includes attending the Living Legends petition hand-in at 12 Downing Street, further amplifying young voices in the fight to protect our ancient trees.
  • Visibility at events is key! The youth council now have their own unique logo and uniform, designed by one of the members. This has been a game-changer for strengthening identity by making the council more recognisable when speaking in public. 

Speaking as both a youth council member and a winner of the Igniting Innovation project, I vouch completely for the Woodland Trust’s youth programmes. They have honestly been life changing for me as a young person, and I have been able to access so many amazing opportunities from them. Absolutely brilliant!

Tammie Esslemont
Youth council member

Feeling inspired? Find out more.