New Forest Youth Board
Promoting youth voice in the New Forest
We know that young people are passionate about the New Forest; they are its future custodians and are the generation that will be most impacted by decisions that are made today. The New Forest National Park Authority and partner organisations are committed to involving them and actioning their views on key New Forest issues.
What is the New Forest Youth Board?
The New Forest Youth Board is made up of 15 young adults, between the ages of 18 and 30. They promote youth voice across the New Forest and play a key role in shaping and influencing the care and future planning of the New Forest.
Meetings are held six times a year and are a mixture of in-person and online.
The New Forest Youth Board works with a range of New Forest organisations to advise and inform on issues impacting the future of the National Park, including climate change, conservation, rural economy and planning. Board members may also take on specific projects according to their interests and priorities.
The draft New Forest Youth Board Terms of Reference is available to view on the documents panel. The Board will agree upon the final version.
The New Forest Youth Board met for the first time in September 2024, during a residential weekend at the Countryside Education Trust, here’s what they got up to:
What does the New Forest Youth Board do?
The board fills a variety of functions linked to youth voice in the New Forest, including:
- Identifying and working on projects for the benefit of climate, nature and communities in the New Forest
- Working with other young people and representing their opinions and views to the Board and other groups
- Working with a range of New Forest organisations to represent youth voice
- Sharing and discussing thoughts and opinions on matters raised to the Board
- Attending New Forest Youth Board meetings, and other meetings as agreed
- Representing the Board at a range of events, which could include youth, national park or conservation-based events, agreed by the Board
- Contributing to shaping the structure and work of the Youth Board
What are the benefits of being a Youth Board member?
Board members have the opportunity to:
- Make a difference to the future of the New Forest
- Be a voice for young people across the New Forest on climate and nature
- Meet and work with like-minded people
- Network with professionals working for a variety of New Forest organisations
- Gain valuable life skills and green leadership experience
- Enhance their CV and future employability
How do I apply to be on the New Forest Youth Board?
Expressions of interest to be a member of the New Forest Youth Board are now open. To apply, please see our information pack linked on the documents panel.
Please ensure you have read the pack before applying. The link to submit your application files can be found in the pack, and also linked here.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers.
How long has the Youth Board been established?
The Youth Board met for the first time in September 2024 during a residency at the Countryside Education Trust, organised by the NFNPA.
What examples are there of topics and projects the Youth Board can get involved in?
We’ve got lots of ideas, but so will our new members. It could include improving access to nature, raising climate awareness or representing the Board at other regional meetings. It will be up to the new Youth Board to choose their priorities.
What skills and knowledge do I need?
The Youth Board welcomes representatives from all backgrounds and abilities because we know celebrating diversity brings out strengths and creates opportunities for us to learn skills and perspectives from each other. If members identify an area of knowledge they’d like to develop, our education and youth team staff will support you in finding out more. You could study the New Forest your whole life and still have more to learn, the important thing is wanting to discover, protect and share what makes it special.
What time commitment am I expected to give?
You will need to commit approximately three hours a month to the New Forest Youth Board. If you choose to take on additional projects or opportunities, it may lead to an increase in time commitment. Meetings will be held both online and in person
Do I need to live in the New Forest to be a member of the Youth Board?
You don’t need to live within the National Park, we encourage applications from young adults living both in and around the New Forest area, there are no geographical restrictions. As long as you are able to attend meetings, we want to hear from you (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed).
Who should I contact?
For more information about the New Forest Youth Board, or to ask any questions, please get in touch with Claire, Helen or Katie at education@newforestnpa.gov.uk
The Youth Board was launched thanks to National Lottery Players through the Youth for Climate and Nature Scheme, find out more here.
