Youth Work

Eco Influencers
PROJECT

Youth Work

Empowering young people to lead the change for nature.

We believe that young people are not just the future – they are the now. From transforming green spaces and influencing climate action to championing wildlife through creative activism, our youth work is about giving power, skills, and a platform to young voices who care.

What happens next is up to us.
Sir David Attenborough

Meet the Youth Workers

A team of artists, outdoor educators, activists and mentors—our youth workers bring passion, energy, and creativity to every project.



Josef (Joe) Ford
Youth Worker

josef.ford@northwt.org.uk


The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
Richard Swan

Hi, I’m Joe! I’m a youth worker with a background in the arts, a love for fungi, and a passion for working alongside young people who care about the planet. I work across Northumberland, North Tyneside, and Newcastle, one of the officers leading the Eco-Influencers and Blue Influencers programmes.

Whether we’re transforming a green space, running a creative campaign, or just having a good chat about nature and what it means to us—I’m here to support you to lead, grow, and make a real difference in your environment and how we interact with our nature.







Rhiannon Studholme
Youth Worker


Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.
John Muir

Hi! I’m Rhiannon, an Eco Mentor with a background in social work. I’ve spent my whole career working alongside young people, and in 2024, I took a big step to follow my passion for the natural world. I now combine my experience with youth work and my love for the environment to support and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

One of the best parts of my role is hearing the incredible ideas that young people come up with – and helping turn those ideas into real-world action. I’ve been involved in both the Eco Influencers and Blue Influencers projects, and I’m always learning from the creativity and energy of the young people I work with.

This year, I’m especially excited to be co-designing and piloting a brand-new project in collaboration with 16–24-year-olds. I can’t wait to see where their ideas take us next!

Our Youth-Led Projects

Eco-Influencers

Funded by Newcastle Youth Fund

Young people across the inner west and east of Newcastle are taking the lead to make their green spaces greener, cleaner and more connected to nature. The projects support schools, youth clubs and community groups with 11-19-year-olds taking leadership of their own FULLY FUNDED eco-project. 

From urban wildlife gardens to eco-campaigns and creative community events, this is about youth voice in action.  

Contact our Youth Team

Examples:  

Jesmond Park Academy: Beautiful Urban Garden Space aka BUGS  

The Eco Influencers have turned an unused part of the school grounds into a shared space where nature and students can thrive together. A natural barrier, known as a dead hedge, separates a wildflower area—left untouched to support wildlife—from a calm, welcoming zone designed for learning and wellbeing. 

The students have created a peaceful woodland path, fixed up broken bird boxes, set up a leaf mould composting area, and planted native UK woodland plants to boost biodiversity. It’s now a place to explore, relax, and reconnect with the natural world.

I think partaking in this club has really enlightened me to the deeper prospects of nature and has unlocked teamwork skills which I didn’t know I had. It has been an amazing journey and the progress is better than I would have expected.
Eco Influencer aged 15

Blue Influencers

Funded by The Ernest Cook Trust and the #iWill Fund 

Blue Influencers explore the connection between water, climate, and community. From pond-planting to tackling plastic pollution and restoring wild spaces near rivers, canals and coasts, this project supports 11–14-year-olds to take on water-themed environmental action. With a £360 grant to kickstart their ideas, the group will work together to create real, positive change in their local community. They’ll be able to apply for up to £5,000 to expand their projects! 

If this sounds like a great fit for your group, let’s arrange a call or a visit to discuss how we can get started! 

Contact our Youth Team

Examples:  

Byker primary school – Eco-warriors  

The Eco Warriors have been busy transforming their school grounds into a space bursting with life! After surveying local wildlife with tree ID guides, binoculars, and bug-hunting kits, the group decided to grow native flowers and veg—planning to share the harvest with their community. 

They explored global animals, then shifted focus to UK species, sparking creative ideas like murals, pollinator-friendly planting, and bird habitats. 

Young People's Forum

Our forum brings together nature-loving 16-25-year-olds from across the region to shape what we do, share their ideas, and create new opportunities. From planning events to reviewing policies—we’re listening. 

Young People's Forum

Don’t be afraid to dream big or think any project is too ambitious. Young people have lots of amazing ideas, and we want people to know that all these ideas can come true if you believe and work hard.
Eco Influencer from Newcastle

Why Youth Work Matters

This isn’t just about learning—it’s about leading. Our work helps young people:

Build confidence and communication skill


Gain hands-on experience in green careers


Make real change in their local wildlife


Feel part of something bigger

A group of older schoolgirls stood outside together in front of a building and holding signs for a climate protest.

Image by: Penny Dixie

Young People's Forum

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Young volunteers - Paul Harris/2020VISION

Image by: Paul Harris/2020VISION.

Volunteering

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Two young women are building bird boxes in an urban nature reserve

Building a bird box © Broni Lloyd-Edwards

Nextdoor Nature

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Child in hide - Simon Greener

Image by: Simon Greener.

Education

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