Connecting Communities with Nature
ALP Synergy has launched a new national programme aimed at connecting diverse voices with nature and environmental futures. The programme places a strong emphasis on engaging diverse voices who are often excluded from environmental discussions and decision-making.
Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the programme brings together two linked strands Nature Secure and Nature Smart. Together, they explore how environmental change, climate risk, technology and innovation shape everyday life in communities across the UK.
Putting Equity, Inclusion and Participation at the Centre
At the heart of the programme is a strong commitment to inclusion and meaningful participation. It is designed to amplify a wide range of voices by engaging young people from across communities, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled and neurodivergent young people, LGBTQ+ young people and carers. The programme values lived experience and diverse perspectives, recognising them as essential to shaping inclusive and representative approaches to nature, environmental policy and research.
Rather than beginning with complex scientific concepts or technical language, the programme starts with lived experience. Through workshops and national webinars, participants explore practical questions such as:
- How does climate change affect our streets, schools and homes?
- Why is access to green space important for health and wellbeing?
- How can technology support communities to care for nature?
- What does responsible and ethical innovation really mean?
Nature Secure: Environmental Challenges and Community Solutions
The Nature Secure strand focuses on environmental security issues including clean air, safe water, food security, biodiversity, climate resilience and environmental justice. Participants are encouraged to reflect on how environmental change affects health, safety and livelihoods in their own neighbourhoods, and to develop practical, community-led ideas for change.
Nature Smart: Innovation, Nature and Youth Leadership
The Nature Smart strand introduces young people to concepts such as nature-based technology, environmental monitoring, data literacy, ethical innovation, circular economy thinking and youth leadership. Activities are designed to be creative, inclusive and accessible, helping participants build confidence while exploring how innovation can benefit both people and the planet.
A Co-Created National Approach
A key feature of the programme is its co-created delivery model. Community leaders, schools, youth groups and grassroots organisations are supported to deliver workshops locally, while participants’ insights feed into national conversations through webinars, shared learning events and a final showcase.
Pre and post engagement surveys ensure that participant voices are captured meaningfully, combining personal stories with measurable outcomes such as increased confidence, stronger connection to nature and a greater sense of inclusion.
Giving Voice to Those Most Affected
Speaking about the programme, Liz O’Hara, Director at ALP Synergy, said:
“Environmental challenges do not affect everyone equally, yet the people most impacted are often the least heard. This programme is about changing that creating welcoming spaces where people can connect with nature, share their experiences and feel empowered to shape environmental futures that work for their communities.”
The programme aims not only to increase environmental awareness, but also to build confidence, belonging and agency among young people who may not previously have seen environmental action as something ‘for them’.
The programme will run nationally over the coming months, working in partnership with schools, community groups and organisations across the UK, and feeding learning back into the wider environmental and innovation sectors.