Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

The support from Defra helps girls feel empowered to embrace adventure and new experiences outdoors.

In our 2023 Girls Attitudes Survey, more than three-quarters of girls told us they would like more opportunities to be outdoors, have adventures and try new things. However, we found that almost 1 in 6 girls hardly ever spend time out in nature and a fifth think adventure is ‘more for boys.’

Together with Defra’s (opens in a new tab) Generation Green 2 funding, more girls have been able to discover new things, learn new skills and build their confidence outdoors. Because adventures are for everyone - not just for boys. With this funding we’ve been able to address barriers girls face in accessing nature and encouraged the next generation’s interest in green spaces.

We’re very glad that further funding has been granted to this project. We know how important access to the outdoors is for children’s mental wellbeing, so being able to experience outdoor spaces, particularly for young people who might not usually have access, is really positive. At Girlguiding, we want girls to experience adventure and connect with the outdoors, and this funding allows us to continue to invest in girls’ access to nature through our residential camps and outdoor activities.’ - Angela Salt, CEO, Girlguiding. 

Supporting girls to access adventures outdoors and in nature

Girls and young women have told us these experiences are important to them:

• ‘Camping and going away and the opportunities that guiding offers are really important.’ - Ranger.
• ‘We go camping with the old ridge tents with the wooden poles and everything’s cooked over fires. We don’t use an inside hall and I know it sounds crazy to some people but it’s actually one of the most freeing things that you do, because you’re not on your phone. You’re not looking at what’s the latest thing on social media this morning and you’re just more present with yourself. I’ve never found that very easy to do when I’m not in a space that helps me to do that.’ - Young leader.

About Defra

Defra are responsible for improving and protecting the environment. They aim to sustain thriving rural communities and grow a green economy where businesses put the environment first to help protect our planet.

The Generation Green 2 project was set up to support over 25,000 young people in England’s most disadvantaged areas, to connect with nature. With £4.5 million in grant funding available to youth organisations. Defra aims to support young people to spend time in natural spaces, create a meaningful connection with the outdoors and have day and overnight adventures.