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What if you could spark real change? This competition brings young people's brilliant ideas to life.
Feeling overwhelmed by the nature and climate crisis? The Igniting Innovation competition is your chance to flip the script and turn hope into action.
If you’re aged 16–25 and have an exciting idea that could benefit nature, you could win £5,000 in funding and a year of expert mentoring to bring your project to life. You'll also gain real industry experience, connect with like-minded people and have the chance to build your knowledge and leadership skills – all while helping the planet.
This year, there are two competition categories: one for young nature enthusiasts with innovative ideas, and one for budding farmers, agriculture students, early-career land managers or anyone who wants to explore nature-friendly farming solutions in England and Wales. You don’t need any expert knowledge about trees or nature, and we will support you every step of the way to make your idea a reality.
Read on to find out more about each category, how we choose winners and how to apply.
Applications are open until 9am on 31 January 2027 – we can't wait to hear from you!
Got an idea that could make life better for woods, trees and people? This category is your chance to think big and share a positive idea for change. It doesn't need to solve the whole climate crisis. Big or small, creative or practical, we're looking for projects that inspire action, open up new possibilities and show the power of young people to shape a better future.
Anyone aged 16–25 with an idea to help nature can apply.
We’re looking for creative projects that could align with one or more of the following goals:
help nature thrive: does your idea support woods, trees and wildlife? For example, by creating more space for nature, connecting habitats or improving the health of local woodlands, especially in our priority areas across the UK.
trees for everyone: make sure more people can enjoy the benefits of nature, no matter who they are or where they live, using tools such as Tree Equity Score UK
get people involved: inspire others to connect with, care for and take action for woods and trees.
Three individuals or small groups of up to four will receive £5,000 in funding and up to 12 months’ expert mentoring.
We know that farming today comes with a lot of uncertainty, from financial pressures and climate impacts to changing policies. It takes resilience and determination to adapt to these challenges.
That's why we want to support, champion and invest in the next generation of farmers and land stewards aged 16–25 by helping turn their agroforestry and nature-friendly farming ideas into reality.
We’d love to hear your ideas, including (but not limited to) projects that support one or more of these goals:
explore how trees and nature can create new opportunities for farms, including generating income, building resilience and supporting biodiversity
increase the number of trees on farms to boost productivity and sustainability
help more farmers and local communities to understand and support agroforestry and nature-friendly farming solutions.
Two individuals or small groups of up to four (based in England or Wales) will receive £5,000 in funding and a year of expert mentoring.
For both categories, ideas are judged by five criteria.
Innovation: how original and creative is your idea?
Impact: can you explain how your project aligns with Woodland Trust goals and the impact it will have for woods, trees, wildlife and people?
Feasibility: can your project realistically be delivered within a year? We want you to dream big, but ideas should also be practical and achievable.
Research: what real-world issue is your idea tackling? Have you used evidence or research to support your proposal?
Commitment: why does this matter to you and what will help you stay motivated?
Send us your innovative idea by 9am on 31 January 2027 using the form below. Before you apply, we recommend reading the FAQs page for tips, guidance and everything you need to put together a strong application.
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Meet the six young finalists whose brilliant projects won our Igniting Innovation conservation challenge.
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Get inspired by the brilliant projects that won our 2024 Igniting Innovation challenge - yours could be next!
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The winning projects of 2023 are impacting the environment as we speak. Discover the bright ideas that made it to the top.
Your application will be scored against the criteria listed above.
If you're shortlisted, we'll email you with feedback from the judges on your idea and invite you to an online interview.
During the interview, we'll ask about your project and how you've used the judges' feedback to develop your idea.
Successful applicants will join the new cohort and get started with onboarding for their project.
Check out our FAQs page for handy tips, clear guidance and answers to common questions.
You can also chat to us via email at youth@woodlandtrust.org.uk and our friendly team will help you with any questions, concerns or accessibility needs.
Applications close: 9am on 31 January 2027.
Feedback and invite to interview via email: 5pm on 15 February 2027.
Interviews: 1–4 March 2027.
Results shared: 5pm on 15 March 2027.
Onboarding and training: 3–4 April 2027 (dates are flexible for the Future Farming: Resilience category – visit FAQs page for more information).
Connections and networking event: summer 2028.
For further information, please see our full terms and conditions.
If you have any additional needs and require support to access any information, please email youth@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Collaboration is key for enabling positive change. The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs and the Woodland Trust are working together to support young people developing and delivering their plans for a sustainable future.
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Empowering youth for a healthier planet: discover how we're shaping the future of woods, trees and wildlife together.
Woodland Trust Wood
Smalley
161.13 ha (398.15 acres)
Nature's Calendar
What effect has recent weather had on wildlife? Does climate change affect timings in nature? Nature’s Calendar helps reveal answers to these questions.
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