In partnership with Morecambe Bay Curriculum, Lancaster University, Lancaster and Morecambe College and the University of Cumbria, we recently secured over 1.5 million pounds from the National Lottery Climate Action Fund to lead on a 4-year nature connection and climate action scheme for children, young people and professionals living, learning and working across Morecambe Bay.
A highly adaptive scheme, able to work in and with a variety of settings including schools, local youth and uniformed groups, this is a fantastic opportunity for greater learning about the locality, environment and sustainability – encouraging and empowering local children and young people to become change-makers and the innovators the planet needs.
GREEN CONNECTIONS
Green Connections works with children aged 3-7, their parents, and practitioners to foster nature connection around Morecambe Bay, inviting families and educators to explore and discover the natural world through curiosity-led, hands-on activities inspired by the Bay’s diverse habitats.
GREEN RESEARCHERS BADGE
Helping children aged 7-11 build a deeper connection with the environments around Morecambe Bay by supporting them to research and answer their own questions using place and inquiry-based learning approaches.
GREEN FUTURES AWARD
Young people aged 11-16 will design and deliver community climate action projects across Morecambe Bay. Each group receives £150 seed funding and a fully funded trip to a local nature space, helping them explore the issues they care about and take practical action in their communities.
FAQ
What is the time commitment?
For a rich experience, we would advise a minimum of 6-hours of direct delivery with our practitioners. 12-hours is even better, and we can do more if the group want to continue exploring nature and climate action. For the Green Futures programme we can also deliver the John Muir Wild Places Guardian Award – which is a commitment of a minimum of 25 hours, with 80% of this time being outdoors.
How are they delivered?
Each programme can be delivered flexibly to suit the needs of the setting. For an educational setting it could be during school time, after-school or over an intensive period e.g., eco-week. For non-school settings, like a youth club, it could be evenings or weekends.
Do staff need to be present?
For Green Connections, yes. For the other strands, no, however they might benefit from the experience. Our practitioners have up to date DBS checks, first aid and safeguarding training. You will need to identify and provide contact details for a representative to act as a go between for any logistical, behavioural or administrative queries.
Where are they best delivered?
A mix of secure indoor and outdoor spaces is best. If the weather isn’t great, an indoor space will help the group feel comfortable, however we like to do as much outside as possible.
What if we don’t have any suitable outdoor spaces?
That’s ok. We have some funding to take young people to places around the Bay, and we can help you locate local green spaces we could walk to. We can also support with risk assessments and accessing additional staff support.
What will the young people get out of the experience?
Young people will connect with nature, ask big questions and act on issues that matter to them. Along the way, they will build confidence, curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving skills - seeing themselves as change-makers for the future of Morecambe Bay.
What is the benefit to us?
It supports learning across all areas of the curriculum, such as geography, science, citizenship, PSHE and sustainability, while developing skills in enquiry, teamwork, fieldwork and young people's voice.
How will the young people be recognised for their achievements?
Young people can celebrate their achievements through an in-setting event and showcase their work at the Three Degrees Climate Festival in Morecambe in June 2026.