Advanced Skylarks
Advanced Skylarks is The Green Team’s YES Programme for girls and non-binary young people aged 13-16.
Participants have already taken part in a Skylarks programme and are looking to deepen their connection with nature, further developing their social and outdoor skills along the way.
Skylarks programmes encourage positive wellbeing through environmental volunteering, gentle nature connection and spending time with others.
The Skylarks experience helps build confidence and resilience in a safe and supportive environment. Participants are encouraged to be themselves, exploring and experiencing new things without fear or anxiety.
Our Skylarks take flight
Our first Advanced Skylarks programme ran from May to June.
Eight young people met every week for eight weeks and visited Inveresk, Gore Glen, Dalkeith Country Park, Cramond, Bonaly and the Water of Leith.
The programme also included an overnight residential at Sauchie Home Farm near Stirling where the group had the opportunity to learn more about rewilding.
Enjoy this short video of our Advanced Skylarks adventures,
Inspired by nature
In addition to developing their social and outdoor learning skills, there were opportunities to reflect and create throughout the programme. Here’s an example, with a range of acrostic poems inspired by and written during the residential,
A Skylarks celebration
At the end of the programme our Advanced Skylarks invited friends, family and carers to a celebration where they shared their insights and highlights. Each participant was also awarded their FOLA 3 certificate.
Next steps
For those wishing to continue their nature journey with The Green Team, there are more opportunities with our Summer Residential and Green Leaders programmes.
More about Young Environmental Stewardship
YES focuses on the most at-risk greenspaces, engaging the city’s young people in hands-on conservation, outdoor learning and accredited outdoor learning awards. The Green Team nurtures wellbeing, self-esteem and leadership potential whilst restoring natural heritage sites across Edinburgh, the Lothians and specific rewilding sites further afield.
The legacy of YES will be a new generation of environmental leaders. The programme further strengthens The Green Team’s role as a sector leader in youth environmental engagement.
Thank you
YES, the Young Environmental Stewardship programme is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thanks to National Lottery players, The Green Team will be able to reach and support the next generation of environmental leaders.