Youth Action Day Visit or Residential

Learn practical skills and help conserve and enhance the South Downs National Park

Two adults walking in nature

Applications have closed for this opportunity. Sign up for updates.

Youth Action is for anyone aged between 16 and 25 who is passionate about making a difference for the environment.

This programme of friendly, fun, hands-on and practical activities will take you to stunning locations in the heart of England’s newest National Park.

This opportunity is provided by South Downs National Park.

Essentials

  • Type: Day visit or residential
  • Dates: Flexible (confirmed as part of booking process)
  • Locations: East / West Sussex - see details
  • Cost: Free (fully funded)
  • Suitable for: Groups aged 15 - 26 years

About this opportunity

This flexible programme is offered as a day visit or one-night residential.

Tasks are led by rangers and specialist staff who will share their knowledge, enthusiasm and experience.

Participants will enjoy a range of activities such as:

  • butterfly identification
  • chalk grassland surveying
  • traditional heathland skills such as besom broom making
  • tackling plastic pollution
  • wildlife photography

Sign up for a chance to meet new people, learn new skills and make a positive difference to the South Downs National Park through local social and environmental action.

Need to know

How it works

Activities vary by location but may include:

  • conservation work
  • plant identification
  • traditional woodcraft skills
  • team building
  • outdoor photography skills

Learning outcomes

Participants will benefit from:

  • increased knowledge and understanding of protected landscapes
  • increased awareness of the special qualities of the South Downs National Park
  • learning new practical skills
  • working as a team
  • sharing knowledge, ideas and experiences with others
  • positive benefits to physical and mental health and wellbeing

What to bring

As a guide, you will need to bring outdoor clothing (weather dependent) including waterproofs and suitable footwear, such as old trainers and/or walking boots.

You will also need to bring a packed lunch, drinks and snacks, though the cost for these can be claimed back through expenses.

Access guidance

We are committed to providing experiences that are accessible to all. Accessible trails/paths and accessible overnight accommodation available. To discuss specific requirements, please email [email protected].

Locations

Friston Forest

Seven Sisters, Exceat, BN25 4AB

Various dates available and confirmed as part of the booking process

View the location

YHA Eastbourne

Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 8ES

Various dates available and confirmed as part of the booking process

View the hostel

YHA Truleigh Hill

Shoreham, West Sussex, BN43 5FB

Various dates available and confirmed as part of the booking process

View the hostel

YHA South Downs

Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6JS

Various dates available and confirmed as part of the booking process

View the hostel

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Other opportunities

South Downs National Park is delivering this opportunity as part of Generation Green.

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