Open Opportunities for Young People Interested in Climate and Nature
Looking for ways to get involved in climate and nature action?
From hands-on conservation and creative programmes to climate campaigning, green skills and opportunities to help shape policy, there are lots of ways for young people in Edinburgh to get involved.
You don’t need to be a climate expert or have previous experience. Many of these opportunities are designed to help you learn new skills, meet people, build confidence and find your own way into climate and nature action.
We’ve rounded up some opportunities currently open to young people in Edinburgh and further afield.
Green Starts Edinburgh – Impact Arts
Ages 16–24 | Edinburgh | September–December 2026
Green Starts is a free employability programme from Impact Arts for young people aged 16–24 who are currently not in education, employment or training.
Running from 28th September–15th December 2026, the programme will have a strong focus on environmental conservation and is being delivered in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland’s Holyrood Park Rangers.
Participants will have opportunities to spend time outdoors, develop practical environmental skills and explore future pathways, alongside creative activities and employability support.
Become an EMEN Ambassador
Ages 16–30 | Scotland | Applications close 28th August
The Ethnic Minority Environmental Network (EMEN) is looking for young people to join its fully funded, one-year Ambassador Programme, supporting participants to champion climate justice and empower their communities.
The opportunity is open to young people aged 16–30 from ethnic minority backgrounds who are living in Scotland and interested in environmental justice and climate action. You do not need to be a permanent resident.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Friday 28th August.
Young Friends of the Earth Scotland Summer Gathering
Ages 16–30 | Glenmore, Highlands | 21st–23rd August
Young Friends of the Earth Scotland is celebrating ten years of its youth network with a Summer Gathering in Glenmore, near Aviemore.
Taking place from 21st–23rd August, the gathering is an opportunity to meet other young people interested in climate justice, develop skills and learn more about getting involved in the movement – while spending a weekend in the Highlands.
Youth Climate and Nature Panel
Ages 16–25 | UK-wide
The UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is recruiting young people to its Youth Climate and Nature Panel, a new initiative designed to bring young people’s voices into climate and nature policy.
The panel will bring together young people aged 16–25 from across the UK to share their experiences and perspectives, provide insight and advice on climate and nature policies, strengthen collaboration between generations and help amplify youth action.
Volunteer with Teach the Future
Ages 14–26 | UK-wide
Want to see better climate and nature education in schools?
Teach the Future is looking for students aged 14–26 to join its volunteer team and campaign for changes to climate and nature education.
No previous campaigning experience is needed, with training and support provided. Online welcome calls take place each month, with upcoming sessions on 14th September, 12th October and 9th November.
Nature Conservation Volunteering
Edinburgh and the Lothians | Flexible volunteering
For anyone looking to get outdoors and gain some practical experience, The Conservation Volunteers offers opportunities to take part in conservation projects across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Activities can include tree planting and woodland care, wildflower seeding, meadow management, pond and wetland restoration, habitat creation and path maintenance.
No previous experience is needed, with hands-on training provided. It can also be an opportunity to develop practical skills and explore a future career in conservation.
CashBack Hubs – Impact Arts
Ages 14–19 | Edinburgh | From September 2026
Impact Arts’ free CashBack Hubs programme gives young people aged 14–19 the opportunity to get creative, meet new people, develop skills and build confidence.
Over ten weeks, participants can explore different art forms and take part in trips to galleries and museums around a heritage theme. Where appropriate, young people can also work towards a Level 3 or 4 SQA qualification.
The course is free, with materials, snacks and public transport costs provided, and no previous creative experience is required.
[Find out more about CashBack Hubs]
Find your way into climate action
There’s no single way to get involved in climate and nature action. Whether you’re interested in nature, creativity, campaigning, community action, policy or developing skills for the future, there are opportunities to start somewhere that works for you.
We’ll continue to share opportunities for young people through ECCAN’s website, newsletter and social media.
Know of an opportunity we should include? Get in touch with ECCAN and help us connect more young people across Edinburgh with opportunities to get involved.