Our youth offer
Opportunities for your group
Our education and youth team create and lead bespoke youth programmes across the New Forest, offering a variety of experiences in the outdoors for young people. A chance for young people to connect to and become curious about the natural world, discover green careers and feel empowered to take action to protect it.
These programmes are aimed at small groups of young people between 11 and 18 in any setting, e.g. alternative provisions, specialist schools, youth groups, home education.
A maximum of 15 young people can take part at a time and we would be guided by you as to the appropriate numbers for your group.
Often 4 – 6 weeks in duration, meeting once a week for 2 – 4 hours at a time. We are flexible to meet the needs of the participants and the setting.
Below is a small example of some of the activities we offer. A selection of these would be recommended by our staff, based on an appropriate choice for the season and discussion with you to establish suitability for your group:
- Introduction to the New Forest, history, species, habitats, and enjoying it responsibly
- Practical conservation tasks, e.g. heathland restoration, rhododendron removal, Himalayan balsam pulling, tree planting
- Exploring different habitats and the wildlife that lives there: coasts, ancient woodlands, heathlands, freshwater
- Creative activities: art, poetry, craft
- Outdoor skills (basic bushcraft, geocaching, hammocks)
- Green careers
- Nature connection & mindfulness
- PEDALL inclusive cycling
Sessions are currently fully funded till August 2026.
Do you need support with travel? Take a look at our Travel grants page.
Contact: education@newforestnpa.gov.uk with the subject line ‘Youth programmes’.