YouCAN wrap up report

Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) is a three-year, £1.4 million partnership led by the New Forest National Park Authority to help young people aged 11 to 25 understand climate and nature issues, connect with nature, build green skills, and lead local action across the New Forest and nearby urban areas. It delivered 43 projects and around 700 activities, reaching an estimated 28,000 participants, including about 10,000 young people. Key work included Junior and Young Adult Ranger programmes, support for refugees and disadvantaged young people to access nature, two new community festivals, and an online Youth Portal listing opportunities. Communication projects included a youth-led theatre production and funding for young content creators. A New Forest Youth Board was created to influence decisions and represent young people, alongside training such as Carbon Literacy, with reported improvements in understanding and measurable carbon-reduction pledges.