Young people call for a greener, brighter future

Approximately 50 young people from across the UK headed to Westminster to meet with their MPs and asked for more to be done for the environment.

Over 40 MPs met with young volunteers involved in the Our Bright Future programme in Parliament; and pledged support for ensuring that more school time is spent learning in and about nature.

Our Bright Future is an ambitious and innovative partnership led by The Wildlife Trusts and funded by the UK’s largest funder of community activity, The National Lottery Community Fund. The parliamentary event highlighted the programme’s work to empower young people to lead positive change in their local environment and community.

At the event, MPs Caroline Lucas and Rebecca Pow heard from some of the inspiring young volunteers on the key changes they want to see for the environment and their lives, including ensuring schools have at least one hour per day of lesson time outdoors.

Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts said:

“The future of this and future generations will depend on us developing a totally different relationship with the natural world. Today’s generation of young people recognises the environmental crisis we face and does not see this as separate from societal challenges such as poor mental health. They are determined to have an education system that helps generations to come support nature’s recovery.”

“Our Bright Future is working with young people across the UK fuelling the creativity and resilience they need to lead environmental and social change. Our Governments will be failing this generation if they do not listen and support them to create a brighter future’.

Peter Ainsworth, Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said:

“It’s fantastic to see how young people across the UK have been motivated and encouraged by this project. Thanks to National Lottery players, nearly 100,000 young people have played an active role in shaping the future of their local environment. An investment like this is a great start to empowering and inspiring young people to help make their own futures brighter and their communities thrive.”