(c) Broni Lloyd-Edwards
Youth Pathways
Skill-Based Youth Volunteering & Leadership in Urban Nature
Youth Pathways is Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust’s programme for young people aged 16–25 who want to build skills, confidence and experience in conservation, climate action and environmental leadership.
Through our youth volunteering session every two months, participants become co-designers of local, nature-based solutions, shaping what urban conservation looks like in Birmingham and the Black Country.
This isn’t just volunteering. It’s skill-building, networking, campaigning and career development rooted in justice and access.
Why Youth Pathways Exists
The environmental sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, but it remains the second least diverse sector.
Young people in Birmingham and the Black Country face systemic barriers to accessing quality green space, gaining conservation skills and experience, building professional networks and entering environmental careers
Youth Pathways exists to change that.
What We Do
Youth Conservation Sessions (Every 2 Months)
- Habitat management (coppicing, meadow creation, pond restoration)
- Tool use and practical conservation skills
- Biodiversity surveying and species identification
- Urban climate resilience
Climate/Conservation Café (Ad-Hoc)
- Environmental campaigning and advocacy
- Connecting and organising around climate change
- Decolonial Environmentalism
Sessions take place across our urban nature sites and partner locations. Participants gain practical green skills, experience working alongside conservation professionals, mentorship and career guidance, support with CV development and pathways into green employment.
Youth-Led & Co-Designed
Youth Pathways is designed, led and delivered by some of our younger staff members, ensuring young people have shape the programme’s direction, themes and priorities from conception. We are committed to:
- Removing financial barriers (including travel support and stipends where possible)
- Creating inclusive and welcoming spaces
- Supporting those underrepresented in the environmental sector
Youth Pathways connects grassroots conservation with bigger conversations about climate justice, urban inequality, access to nature and representation in environmental decision-making.
By building skills and confidence, we aim to ensure young people not only access the green economy, but help shape how it develops.
Who is it For?
Youth Pathways is open to anyone aged 16–25, including:
- Those passionate about wildlife and nature
- Aspiring environmental professionals
- Young people exploring career options
- Individuals new to conservation but curious to learn
No previous experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.
Get Involved
Interested in joining Youth Pathways?
Want to partner with us?
Are you an employer, university or community organisation keen to support Young People?
Contact us at: mya.b@bbcwildlife.org.uk
Check our Eventbrite page for upcoming Youth Pathways events
Be part of the next generation reimagining urban conservation, rooted in community, equity and action
We’re proud to announce that Shpun is sponsoring Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust’s Youth Pathways programme throughout 2026.
This sponsorship is rooted in a shared commitment to equity, inclusion and environmental action, supporting young people aged 16–25 to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to access careers in nature, sustainability and climate action.