"It was so good for him to be away from his everyday life, and to spend time with his peers as he doesn't get enough of this, and with other adults that clearly value him as an individual."
"GreenTeamdaysareJames’sbestdays.Improvinghismood,confidenceetc.On otherdaysifheneededalift,askinghimaboutGreenTeambroughtasmile. Jameshasfoundnatureandplantstobehishappyplaceandmaynowlookfora careerinit.”
The Green Team provides transformational experiences for young people like James. Helping them to build a connection to the wonder of the natural world, and through positive activities in nature to be kind to self, supportive of others and to protect our planet for all.
Our 2022 Impact Report celebrates the positive change the Green Team family have contributed to in the lives of the young people we support, the communities we live in and the greenspaces we visit.
Our Vision
AScotlandwhereeveryonevaluesandcanenjoythe naturalenvironment.
Our Mission
Toprovidetransformationaloutdoorexperiencesthat connectchildrenandyoungpeopletonature,others andthemselves.
James's mumThis last year has been one in which some of the challenges we face have been clearer than ever. A nature crisis. A cost of living crisis. A mental health crisis. Against that backdrop we are delighted to have had such a productive year 1817
2028
354 awardsearnedacrossJohn Muir,DofE,JASS& Hi5 awardschemes
4090
volunteerhourssupporting youngpeopleorundertaking conservationtasks
1,000s
oftreesplanted,biscuits consumed&hotchocolate drunkaroundthefire
Weweredelightedtorebrandour GreenAngelsprogrammeasSkylarksin December2022.Thisnamewaschosenbyparticipantstobetterreflectcurrent timesandmoveawayfromthestereotypeofgirlsbeingangelic.
TheSkylarksprogrammesupportsthepositivewellbeingofgirlsandnonbinaryyoungpeoplethroughenvironmentalvolunteering,gentlenature connectionandspendingtimewithothers.
It's fun, it feels like something important. You learn about outdoor things you didn’t know before but explained in a fun way, not like school. You get to hang out/socialise with people. It doesn’t feel like too much can go wrong. It’s a small group of safe people.
ParticipantOutcomes
86%
GreenShoots
93%
76% enhancedconfidence& wellbeing increasedlifeskills (teamwork/communication) developedpositive relationships/feltlessisolated
GreenShootsuseswildernesssurvivalskillsandnatureconnectionactivitiestohelpyoungpeople developlifeskillsthatgivethemtheconfidenceandresiliencetofulfiltheirpotential.
This has put a massive smile on my face �� he is doing amazing. Thank you so much for inviting mason to take part in such a wonderful opportunity.
Parent
ParticipantOutcomes
88% 75% 83% enhancedwellbeing improved teamworkskills increasedconfidence andself-esteem
Our Green Volunteers programme runs throughout the year, andthissummerwetookagroupfora5-daytriptotheIsleof Eigg.GreenVolunteersfocusesonmakingatangibledifference to the natural landscape through conservation tasks. But it’s notallhardworkwithplentyofspaceforlearningandlaughing.
3ottersspottedaround20mawayfromus,we watchedthemplayinthewaves,divingdownfor crabsandfeastingtogetherforagood30minutes
"Ifeltreallypeacefulsittingaloneonth beachaft
Playingwildgamesonahugebeach lookingouttoRhum,theCullinsofSkye justcreepingoutofthemist.
“Spectacularsunset(being eatenbymidges)andwatching thesundipbehindRhumin thedistance Ifeltcloseto nature”
Playedthe tippy tappy massage circle andsharedappreciation of eachother after a hardday ofwork
erence when we walked back along"
“WehikeduptheSgurr.Ifelt closetonaturewalkingupthe h iews itfelt
“Ifeltclosetonaturewhenwewalked throughthewoodslookingforthings. IfeltclosetonaturetheminuteI steppedoutside”
"beingtogetherandtoasting marshmallowsonthecampfire
acefulcollectingsh besidethesea"
Wewerepleasedtorunour5-dayresidentialforthefirstt
bythefeedbackandtheevaluationoftheevent.Oneofth andCareforNature’surveywhichmeasureschangeinatt
Average‘LoveandCareforNature’scoreincreasedfrom5.3to5.9(scaleof1-7)
92%ofparticipantsenhancedtheir‘LoveandCare’acrossmultipleareasofthesurvey*
*Responseshavebeenexcludedwhereaparticipantscoredmaximumpointsatoutsetandsonoincreasewaspossible.
socialskillsandworkoutdoorsfor apositiveimpactinthe environment
I’vehadagreattimeandachievedwhatIhopedtoachievewhenIappliedtobehere I’velearnedhowtomakenewfoodsandlookaftermyselfandothersinthegroup.
I’velearnedlotsofnewskillsbybeingtogetherandconnectingwithnatureonEigg.
GreenVolunteersisaboutsomuchmorethana5-dayresidentialinthesunontheIsleofEigg.The programmemet27timesattheweekendandonmidweekprojectswithschoolsforafurther11 sessions.TheyworkedatsitesincludingLeadburnCommunityWoodland,BrunstaneBurn,TheWaterof LeithandCockburnspathCommunityGarden,undertakingtaskssuchas:buildingbatboxes, rhododendronremoval,treecare, alichensurveyandpathmaintenance.
93%
73% increasedcarefor theenvironment increasedunderstandingof naturalworld improved teamworkingskills
80%
Myintentionwastoletgoofsomestress.ThisweekIhavedonethat,relaxinginnature andnotlettingmythoughtsbuildup.Ifeltmostrelaxedchillingonthebeachwith everyone.
NaturePlayhelpsparentsandcarersofpre-schoolchildrentospend timeoutdoorswiththeirchildren-engaginginearlyyearsplay, connectingwithnatureanddevelopingtheirsocialinteraction.
My child gained confidence, social interaction, encouragement to be inquisitive, a love for nature and the outdoors (whatever the weather), fun and quality time with Mum.
Onascaleof1-10,where10equalsstronglyagree,parentsgavethefollowingfeedback:
9.6/10
9.8/10
9.5/10
IhavemoreideasofhowIcanusegreenspacesfor playwithmychildren
Iammorelikelytouse,andcarefor,theparksand greenspacesnearmeinthefuture
MyskillsandknowledgehaveincreasedandIfeel moreconfidentplayingwithchildreningreenspaces
Green Schools offers a range of outdoor learning, environmental education and nature connection activities in school grounds and localgreenspaces.Theprogrammefocusesongettingprimaryschool pupils involved in activities that encourage discovery, exploration and a deeper understanding of the natural world – ensuring that goodqualityoutdoorlearningisavailabletoall.
The main thing that I learned from Green Schools is h many links can be made to the curriculum using th outdoors and how things can organically turn into learning conversations and experiences How the less outdoors can then provide further learning in class participatingtea
Onascaleof1-10,where10equalsstronglyagree,teachersgavethefollowingfeedback:
8.6/10
teacherssaidtheirpupilshadabetterunderstandingof thenaturalworld
8.7/10
8.1/10
teacherssaidtheyfeltmoreconfidentusingoutdoor playtodevelopskillsandincreaselearning teacherssaidtheyhadmoreconfidenceinteaching abouttheimportanceofcaringfornature
Green Explorers and our Holiday Activities give young people the chance to play, make friends and explore some amazing local wild places. Most days end with a gratitude circle, encouraging those takingparttoreflectontheirdaytogether.Here'swhatsomeyoungpeoplesaidtheyweregratefulfor:
"thatwegettodo tonnesoffun activities outdoors."
“beingabletofind newplacestogo andexploreandbe outinnature. ”
"beingabletosee thesewonderfulplaces withfriendsandmeet newpeople.”
"havingmyfriendsahereandbeing bletochatwith them."
“justbeingoutside cosusuallyI’m verylazy.”
Thrive
Thrive promotes positive mental wellbeing for young people through deep nature experiences, nurturing relationships and respitefromdailylife
This programme has really helped me build my confidence because there's been so many new things to try. I'm not normally an outdoorsy person, but because there's so many new things, it has really helped to show myself that I can do new things
70% enhancedtheir emotionaland mentalwellbeing
88% increasedtheirconfidence& self-esteem
94% improved participation/engagement
Ahighlightof2022wastoseetwopreviousThriveparticipants,continuetheirjourneywiththeGreen Teambygettinginvolvedasprojectleaders:
IstartedmyjourneywiththeGreenTeamasaparticipanton Thrivein2021 Ireallyenjoyeditandlovedallthedifferenttasks andplaces.Itreallyhelpedmebemoreconfidentandreduced anxiety.IlikedgettingtomeetotherpeoplewhoIwouldn't otherwisehavemetandwasveryinterestedtolearndifferent firelightingandancestralskills.IthinkthatThriveisabrilliant programme
WhenIleftschoolIbecameayoungleaderwiththeGreenTeam andthishasbeenanamazingexperience.Thishashelpedme attemptthingsIneverthoughtIwouldbeabletodo Inowfeel happytotrynewthingsandskillsthatIhavelearnedfrom volunteeringincludewhittling,conservation,groupfacilitation andmanagingresponsibility.However,ithasalsoallowedmeto learntobemorecomfortablebeingmyself,beabletodealwith unpredictability,andmanageanxiety.
WiththesenewskillsandthroughthesupportfromthepeopleattheGreenTeam,Ihavemanaged togetmyfirstjobworkingasanEnvironmentalEducator.Iamsogratefulforbeingabletobe involvedwiththeGreenTeamandlookforwardtocontinuingtovolunteerwiththem.
InmyearlyteenageyearsIhadverylow self-confidenceandmood,andIfeltabit likemylifedidn’thavemuchdirection, doingthingswhichIhadnointerestinand gavemenohappiness.
IfirstgotinvolvedwithThrivein2015after beinginvolvedinaCAMHS(theNHS’s ChildandAdolescentsMentalHealth Services)projectthatencouragedyoung peopletotakepartinpositiveactivities withthirdsectororganisations.
Ithoughtthiswouldbeagoodopportunity formetolearnnewskills,meetnew peopleandimprovemyconfidenceina supportiveenvironment.
IknewIwantedtocontinuetobeinvolvedwithGreenTeamafterthatprojectaseveryoneIhad mettherewerereallyniceandIenjoyedtakingpartintheconservationaspectsoftheprogramme. Itwasreallyfunbeingpartofateamandseeinghowmuchwecouldaccomplishtogether.Istarted toattendGreenAngelsandwentonresidentialtrips,stayinginvariousdifferentlocationsand engaginginactivitieslikesurvivalskills,buildingwillowarchwaysandmore.
IthentalkedtoMandy(VolunteerCoordinator)asIwantedtohelprunsessionsandstarted helpingwithGreenExplorersandGreenShoots.ThisyearIstartedvolunteeringasayoungleader withThrive,helpingyoungpeopletoparticipateinalotofconservationactivitiesaimedtonot onlyhelptheenvironmentbutalsosupporttheirmentalhealthinanoutdoorenvironment.
OneofmyaccomplishmentswhenIfirststartedvolunteeringwassimplyattendingthesessions andtalkingtotheparticipants
IrealisenowthatoneofmystrengthsisthatIcanrelatetopeopleandbuildstrongerconnections. Ialsohavealotmoreresiliencefromvolunteeringnomattertheweather.Ithasgivenmeamore positiveoutlookonlife.Ihavedefinitelychangedasaperson(andnotjustbecauseI’vechanged mygenderidentity).Ifeelmoreindependentandmymentalhealthhassignificantlyimproved.
Myhopesforthefuturearetocontinuemyvolunteeringwithgreenteamandtostartworkingwith youngpeopleandadultswhohaveadditionalsupportneeds.
Duringtheyear,52volunteers,likeAlexandHarris,wereinvolvedinsupportingyoungpeopleto participateinprojects–creatingasafeandfunenvironmentwhereyoungpeoplecanflourish.
Throughout2022,volunteerstookpartintrainingonchildprotection,foodhygiene,environmental gamesandmethodology,health&safety,firstaidandconservationandecologytraining.Their generosityingivingoftheirtime,skillsandknowledgeisinvaluable.
Wearethrilledthattheirfeedbackshowsthattheyarealsobenefittingfromtheirexperiences:
WewereextremelyproudthatVolunteerEdinburghrecognisedtheamazingdedicationthatMandy, ourVolunteerCo-ordinator,putsintoensuringthesepositiveexperiences,asthewinnerofthe2022 PaulBennettVolunteerManageroftheYearAward.
j y p g y g g hievementsofyoungpeopleonour programmes.However,weshouldalsohighlighttheimpactoflocalcompanies,businessesand groupswhohavetakenpartinprojectstoenhancetheecology,biodiversity,accessibilityand appearanceofgreenspacesinandaroundEdinburgh.Wehaveworkedwithrepresentativesfrom 11organisations–improvingthenaturalenvironmentandencouragingindividualwellbeing. Incomeraisedfromthesesessionshelpedtosupportthevaluableworkthatweundertakewith youngpeople
It was a well organised event and I really enjoyed working and making a positive impact for the environment.
I will definitely recommend to everyone in my team, thank you!
IhavetosayIhavehadthemostamazing experience …amazinglocationsand activities,reallyreignitingaloveforthe outdoorsandintroducingmetothereal funofyouthwork! I'veenjoyedeverysession.
Weran8GreenWelliesdaysin2022–a programmeforover18sthatprovidesthechance forourvolunteersandmembersofthelocal communitytogather,nurturewellbeingandtake actiontoenhancethenaturalenvironment
As an inclusive organisation, we are always eager to develop new partnerships, explore new ways of workingandtointroduceabroaderrangeofpeopletothebenefitsofspendingtimeinnature. In2022 thisledtousrunningactivitiesateventsincludingtheNorthEdinburghFestival,workingwithchildren fromUkraineandorganisingsessionsalongsidesomewonderfulorganisations-EdibleEstates,HomeStart,Multi-CulturalFamiliesBase,LINKnetMentoring,TheWelcoming,andSaheliya.
Thank you for a wonderful event on Friday - both the kids and parents really enjoyed it!
LinkNetMentoring
Attheendof2021,theGreenTeam’sPatron,PeterWright(thenaged74)completeda941kmfundraising cyclealongtherouteofthewatershedofScotland.ThroughPeter’samazingeffortsandthegenerosity ofthosewhosponsoredhim,weran8sessionsandanovernightresidentialtripwithEdinburghYoung Carers.
57 young carers have enjoyed days out in nature at sites inc EstateandBonalyCountryPark.Wearedelightedtohavebe dailyresponsibilitiesandw
it’s a relaxed way to do some conservation purely for us and meet some of the other members of the Green Team that I wouldn’t usually meet on the projects I am involved with.
During2022ourstaffteamandsomeofourwonderfulvolunteerswe to swap our outdoor gear for black tie attire to celebrate our programme winning the Health and Wellbeing Award at the Na ScotlandAwardsceremony.
AcoupleofweekslaterweheldourfirstGreenTeamawardsevent anamazingeveningofceilidhdancingandconnectingwiththewide Teamfamily.Thiseventallowedmetotakeastepbackfromtheday challengesofrunningtheGreenTeamandtoreflectonhowmuchw achievedasanorganisation.Butmoreimportantlyitwasadelightt outsomanyawardstotheinspiringindividualswhohave orthroughwonderfulactsofkindness,hugefeatsofresilie innerconfidencehavemadehugestridesontheirindividua
Itwasalsolovelytohearsomeofthestoriesfromparent
To hear about the positive change that engagement with hashad–thesortofpersonalandhumanimpactthatwe throughoutthisreportreflect.
Organisational recognition such as the Health and Well amazingbutaffirmationthatwearedoingtherightthings weworkwithistrulyspecial.Andby‘wearedoingtherig the wider ‘we’. Our organisation is indebted to those who their money, time expertise, energy, encouragement and thankyou!
TotheyoungpeoplewhohavebeeninvolvedwiththeGreenTea savethebiggestthankyou Youhavemadeussmile,givenusl about, continually surprised us and kept us on our toes. Y heartbeatoftheorganisationandyoushouldbeveryproudoft havehad.
“Teaganhasreallyenjoyedthisprogramme,shewasgettingso excitedforaTuesdaytocomeroundsoshecangoout,madesure shewasupontimeandneverlateforschoolonaTuesday,really relaxedandlovedtellingmeallthestorieswhenshegothome, broughtherouthershellmoretoo.Everythingaboutthisfromstart tofinishhasjustbeenamazing.”
