Green Shoots programmes work with young people from S1-S3 providing extra support in a safe, nurturing environment during the school week. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive space for young people to connect with the natural world, themselves and others in a small group setting. Through a range of practical outdoor activities, young people can develop skills that give them the confidence and resilience to deal with a range of life’s challenges.

Green Shoots incorporates wilderness living skills and nature connection techniques to support young people to deepen their connection to the natural world and gain a greater sense of self, nature and an ability to connect with others. Young people work together on practical conservation tasks to build trust, learn new skills and help improve local greenspaces.

Programmes are led by the Green Shoots Project Co-ordinator, Kate Wilkinson, and are supported by adult volunteers. Skilled and experienced leadership promotes teamwork and positive ways of working with others.

Green Shoots supports the achievement of the John Muir Award and Youth Scotland’s Hi5 award. At the end of a Green Shoots programme young people are supported to transition to other Green Team programmes. Programmes run one day a week for 8-10 weeks during term time.

Green Shoots programmes normally take place on a Tuesday and a Thursday are generally delivered in the following ways:

  • Tuesday – Our Forest School programmes work with young people from a single school – Please email Kate Wilkinson if your school/agency would be interested in running a Forest School program.
  • Thursday – Our Multi-Schools Programme works with young people from different schools/referring agencies with 2 application intakes each year, one in Jan/Feb and one in Aug/Sept. Please complete the online form (link below) or download an application form (word doc) and return to Kate or email Kate with the link below to find out .