Championing Nature

Championing Nature is a new programme aimed at creating positive, lasting impact in urban communities through greater connections and engagement with nature.

The multi-million-pound programme will be delivered over the next six years by four Wildlife Trusts: Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the London Wildlife Trust; Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust; and the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.

Each Wildlife Trust including Northumberland, will receive investment from The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Emirates to fund bespoke projects and initiatives in their local urban areas, with a particular focus on bringing disadvantaged children, young people aged 16-24, and families closer to nature, and creating a lasting infrastructure legacy for the benefit of future generations.

Research conducted on behalf of the four Wildlife Trusts indicated that roughly one out of eight children from low socio-economic backgrounds aged under 12 has never experienced nature. Lack of green space facilities nearby (21%) and the cost of transport (17%) to get to the nearest green space facilities were identified by parents as two of the key barriers to their children spending more time in nature. Parents identified improved mood (48%), overall happiness (48%), more active (42%) and better physical health (35%) as the top positive changes within their children after they had spent time in nature.

Each Wildlife Trust will deliver a bespoke programme to make nature more accessible through a combination of infrastructure projects, learning initiatives and engaging outreach events.

Education & Learning

We believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to access wild places and experience the joy of nature firsthand. Our Education & Learning programme provides opportunities for children to learn outdoors, whilst building confidence, green skills, independence and inspiring them to have a lifelong love of nature. The importance of developing love and care for the natural world is key in our aims to protect our natural environment for future generations. The programme targets schools and alternative education groups in Newcastle, North Tyneside and South East Northumberland and offers a variety of opportunities. For more information please visit our Education page.

Youth Activism

We’ve launched the first phase of a new pilot co-designed with young people aged 16–24. 

So far, we’ve run hands-on workshops packed with idea-sharing, open discussions, hands-on activities, and real moments of connection with the natural world. Together we’re exploring what matters to you—activities you’d actually enjoy, green skills you’d like to build, and what might be stopping you from spending more time in nature. This is about more than events; it’s about creating a movement led by young people for young people.

To reach even more voices, we’ve opened a short survey. Every response helps us design experiences and opportunities that genuinely reflect your interests and remove barriers to getting outside.

Want to be part of it? Email rhiannon.studhome@northwt.org.uk to get early access to upcoming events, project updates and stories from other young people. Check back here for progress as we test ideas, grow the most exciting ones, and build a youth-driven programme for years to come. 

Visit the Young People's Forum

Events & Holiday Activities

Alongside our Education and Youth Activism work there will be four big nature celebration events spaced throughout the year, a chance for families to come together and connect with nature in the outdoor world. Each event will see a range of activities including favourites like nature crafts, den building, pond dipping and minibeast hunts. 

The Championing Nature initiative is also supporting the delivery of our holiday family activity programme which provide more opportunities for children, young people and their families to get out into their local green spaces and learn about the importance of nature in their lives.

See our Events Page

Championing Nature was officially launched at the AELTC’s Community Tennis Centre at Raynes Park, with representatives of the four Wildlife Trusts, All England Club and Emirates. They were joined by programme ambassador, Steve Backshall MBE, to mark a collective commitment to creating lasting change through positive community engagement and increased connection to nature.

Steve Backshall MBE, who is renowned for his lifelong passion and commitment to nature, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the remarkable benefits that a closer connection to nature and the outdoors can provide. The Championing Nature programme is a great opportunity to encourage children, young people and families living in urban environments to discover and explore the green spaces around them. Through my role as President of Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, I’m familiar with the fantastic work these organisations do to protect wildlife and enhance the natural environment. The four Wildlife Trusts have some exciting plans ready to roll out, thanks to the support of the Championing Nature programme, and I am looking forward to seeing the positive difference they will make to the lives of many.

During the summer holidays of 2025 more than 3,000 people visited Northumberlandia to check out the Lloyd of the Flies AR Bug Hunt. This interactive trail, created by Aardman and the Royal Entomological Society, enabled families to shrink down to fly size, see the world through an insect’s eyes with Lloyd and his friends, and learn all about the brilliant world of minibeasts.