We empower young people to drive positive environmental action

Action for conservation

Action for Conservation (AFC) is an environmental action charity working with young people aged 12 to 24 from diverse backgrounds across the UK. We bring the magic of nature into young people’s lives, inspiring a youth movement committed to conservation, restoration and to the Earth. We believe that a passion for nature can flow through anyone's life, whatever their day-job. We want to inspire today's young people to a long-term belief in the wonder of the living world, which will shape their dreams and actions however their life turns out.

​Learn more about our plans in our Five-Year Strategy. 

Cover page of a strategy document titled "Action for Conservation: Our Strategy 2023-2027." The title is in white text on a dark background, with a graphic of layered shades of blue and gray shapes below.

Our work

Our work is brought to life through our core programmes, connecting young people with the living world on their own terms and empowering them to take practical action to protect and restore it. Throughout our programmes we embed the intrinsic links between social, environmental and economic justice, supporting young people to restore their health and well-being, enrich and grow culture and community, and restore nature together.

discover our three core themes:

  • Our WildED Programme in secondary schools and youth groups and Nature Education Programmes at our Intergenerational Nature Restoration Projects have inspired over 6,000 young people to carry out positive action for nature over the past decade.

    Designed by teachers, environmental educators, young people and youth workers, our programmes are the antidote to rising levels of eco-anxiety, nature disconnect and feelings of powerlessness experienced by young people. 

  • Over the past decade, we have supported over 350 young people to carry out environmental projects and campaigns in their communities and shape decision-making within the sector.

    The young people we mentor become powerful voices for nature through our four core leadership programmes: Residential Summer Camps, Ambassador Programme and Intergenerational Nature Restoration Projects.

    We also support young people to access employment and leadership opportunities, such as our Youth Rangerships and Youth Trustee roles.

    Across all our leadership programmes, we prioritise recruiting young people who face the greatest barriers to accessing, benefitting from and shaping the future of nature in the UK.

  • Young people co-lead our Intergenerational Nature Restoration Projects, working alongside partner organisations, farmers, experts and local people to create intergenerational, community-led action plans for nature restoration.

    In turning these visions into reality, young people forge deep connections to the land and come to understand its history, present state and the potential for positive change in the future, while gaining practical hands-on conservation skills and expanding their leadership experience and their ability to forge and maintain community.