Applications have closed for this opportunity.
Taking part in important conservation work with the Caring for Nature programme.
Through activities and project work, participants discovered how they can help protect the natural world.
This opportunity was provided by YHA (England & Wales).
Essentials
- Type: Day visit
- Dates: Various
- Locations: Various
- Cost: Free (fully funded)
- Suitable for: Groups aged 15-26 years
About this opportunity
This day stay was offered at six different YHA locations across Cumbria, Derbyshire, East Sussex, North Yorkshire and Surrey.
It was delivered in two ways: firstly as a full day of practical skills and conservation project work – where the group took on the challenge of a specific project. This included practical skills around habitat creation, path maintenance, interpretation design, clearing invasive species, planting, developing meadows etc.
Alternatively, the day was split with the morning spent on activities, such as team building and development. This prepared participants for project work in the afternoon.
Need to know
How it works
Activities varied by location but included:
- beach clean (YHA Boggle Hole only)
- log pile construction
- tree planting
- bee bombing and wildflower/meadow planting (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall only)
- clearing of invasive species
- building bug hotels
- pond clearance and maintenance (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall only)
- path maintenance
- interpretation
- litter pick and environment improvement
- shelter building (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall and YHA Ravenstor only)
- fire lighting (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall and YHA Ravenstor only)
- rock pooling (YHA Boggle Hole only)
- guided walks
- team challenges
- habitat studies (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall only)
Learning outcomes
Participants learnt practical conservation skills and had the opportunity to complete elements of the John Muir award.
Dates and locations
Sample timetable
YHA Caring for Nature Day Stay
Day one
10:00 - 10:30: Welcome, activity and safety briefing
10:30 - 12:30: Environmental art and team building
12:30 - 13:15: Lunch
13:15 - 16:00: Conservation project
16:00 - 16:30: Final debrief and review
16:30: Depart
