Chilterns New Shoots
Welcome to New Shoots! A year long wildlife & conservation programme for 15 – 20 year olds in the Chilterns
We’re delighted to be running the New Shoots programme for the second year; we are welcoming a new intake of 15-20 year olds to take part in monthly activities from June 2022 – March 2023 in the Chilterns.
New Shoots is a nature, wildlife and conservation programme designed by and for young people. New Shoots is a fantastic chance to visit beautiful places in the central Chilterns, learn more about wildlife and plants and how to help them thrive. Plus get involved in helping to manage habitats for wildlife and address climate change, and all free of charge thanks to our National Lottery Heritage funding!
Benefits of taking part
- Spend lots of time outdoors – great for wellbeing and mental health.
- Visit some of the best nature reserves and most beautiful spots in the Chiltern hills.
- Get up close and personal with some amazing wildlife.
- Learn from wildlife and plant experts.
- Have fun, make new friends and try new things.
- Get to use top equipment – such as high quality binoculars.
- No pressure – no tests or exams!
- Find out what’s involved in wildlife and habitat management, get stuck in and try your hand at practical conservation.
- Could be a stepping stone to a career in conservation.
- It’s free to take part! All equipment is provided and you’ll even be given a cosy New Shoots fleece to keep you warm when you’re out and about.
What the New Shoots do & learn
- Learn to identify wildlife & plantlife: butterflies and birds, insects and plants.
- Imagine searching the skies for birds and watching butterflies and insects flit about in the wildflowers on a sunny day – have a go at keeping track of numbers and diversity- a good way to tell how healthy the environment is.
- Get hands on!
- Have a go at scrub bashing and woodland management (clearing plants and trees to keep chalk grassland and woodlands in great condition).
- Get your waders on and learn about chalk streams and how to look after them.
- Visit and understand different Chilterns habitats:
- The Chilterns has lots of really special habitats, such as chalk grassland covered in wildflowers, ancient woodland, farmland and chalk streams, and you’ll get to visit all of these in the course of your year as a Chilterns New Shoot.
Who can take part?
Young people who:
- are aged 15 – 20,
- love being outdoors and would love to explore the Chilterns countryside,
- are interested in nature, wildlife or climate change and keen to learn more,
- are happy to get involved for a year and can commit to taking part in most of the 11 project sessions.
Last year, lots of different kinds of young people took part. Young people don’t have to be ‘super confident’ to take part, but lots of people said their confidence got a big boost from being a part of the project. We welcome young people from any background and experience level as long as they show a genuine interest in wildlife and nature and can commit to taking part in most of the 11 project sessions.
What happened in the first year of the programme?
From June 2021-March 2022, 16 young people took part in last year’s New Shoots programme. They were featured on BBC’s Countryfile, and won a Proud of Bucks award for all their inspiring work championing nature and wildlife as part of the project.
Feedback
“What an utterly wonderful programme. F’s enjoyed herself so much, meeting new people with shared interests, learning new things, hearing from experts, getting down and dirty! Couldn’t recommend New Shoots highly enough.” (Parent)
“Thank you once again for all you have done for Tom and the opportunities you have opened up for him. I’m so pleased for him and proud of him and it’s given him a real confidence boost.” (Parent)
Benefits of taking part
- Spend lots of time outdoors – great for wellbeing and mental health.
- Visit some of the best nature reserves and most beautiful spots in the Chiltern hills.
- Get up close and personal with some amazing wildlife.
- Learn from wildlife and plant experts.
- Have fun, make new friends and try new things.
- Get to use top equipment – such as high quality binoculars.
- No pressure – no tests or exams!
- Find out what’s involved in wildlife and habitat management, get stuck in and try your hand at practical conservation.
- Could be a stepping stone to a career in conservation.
- It’s free to take part! All equipment is provided and you’ll even be given a cosy New Shoots fleece to keep you warm when you’re out and about.
How can I get involved?
The New Shoots intake for 2022-2023 is now closed, but keep an eye on social media or register for our newsletter to find out about future intakes. If you’d like to speak to someone about New Shoots, please contact steph@chilternrangers.co.uk
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