Aim

Power grassroots climate action: fund free nature and climate education and action camps for young Visible Minority Ethnic people in poverty

Black2Nature

Black2Nature believes that in order to tackle climate change we must eduate and involve all parts of society to take action to stop climate change. The first stage of engaging Visible Minority Ethnic (VME) children and young people with climate change action is to connect them with nature. You can not expect people to care about the planet if they do not know anything about it. That is why we believe it is essential to provide free access to nature and local green spaces so that everyone can experience and benefit from nature, and start tackling the climate crisis which requires everyone to have a voice and a place in the environmental movement. 

When Mya-Rose Craig set up Black2Nature, she had noticed that there were few VME young people involved in schools strikes and those who did attend were disciplined by their schools. We make climate change relevant to VME children and young people by asking them about what they know about the impact of climate change on their countries of ethnicities. All the young people who attend our camps understand the negative impacts of climate change on their countries of ethnicities, such as flooding, drought and hurricanes, but did not know that these were caused by climate change, despite school lessons.

Climate change affects all communities, yet VME children and young people remain absent from environmental organations and spaces and are excluded from opportunities to connect with nature, learn about climate change issues, and be able to shape solutions for the future. Black2Nature and our camps are helping VME communities prevent, prepare for, and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate by providing climate education, making climate change issues relevant, understanding action that is needed to prevent climate change, what can be done in the UK and in their countries of ethnicities to prepare for climate change, the apaptations that are possible but crutially encouraging climate change action.

Through nature camps, outdoor learning experiences, conservation activities, climate change and environmental education, Black2Nature empowers children and young people to develop a deeper understanding of climate change, biodiversity, and the natural world. By building meaningful connections with nature, we inspire the next generation of environmental champions, equipping them with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to take positive climate action in their communities.

Our programmes provide hands-on nature experiences such as bird ringing, birdwatching, looking at moths, butterflies and bats and conservation projects such as tree planting and wildlife monitoring and biodiversity surveys, helping young people understand how they can protect and restore the environment while improving their own mental health, wellbeing and resilience.

We have 100% success in engaging children and young people with nature by making it relevant to them and then concentrate on climate change education and making climate change relevant to their lives. 

We run workshops about climate change, starting with what they know from school, what impact they know climate change is currently having on their countries of ethnicities, in the UK and in and around the city in which they live. This is a very important session, as it is when the young people realise that climate change is having a huge impact on a country and people they care about as well around them. These include flooding and drought in Somalia and Sudan, flooding and high temperatures in Bangladesh and India and hurricanes in the Caribbean. We run workshops utilising art, posters and creative writing to express concern, anger and the need for action as a form of empowerment. 

We also work on climate change prevention, such as reducing energy use through reducing waste, ending fossil fuel use and making use of grants for communites to move to renewable energy, insulation and sustainable practices such as across energy, transportation, food, fashion, IT and finance sectors. 

We also run sessions on preparing for the impact of climate change, such as preparing for higher temperatures, droughts, flooding and water rising in the Severn estuary. Part of this session relates to adaptions, such as the need for trees in cities to give shade and reduce termperatures and tree planting.

The young people return to their parents, families and communities, educating them and helping them prevent, prepare for, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

We are committed to removing barriers to participation by providing all activities free of charge, including transport, food, accommodation, and outdoor equipment. This ensures that every child and young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, can access nature, engage with climate action, and become part of a more inclusive and sustainable future.

We urgently need your support to continue this vital work.

Your support will help us:

• Run transformative nature, climate change and environmental camps and day trips for up to 30 young people at a time
• Keep all our activities completely free, removing barriers to accessing nature
• Provide free transport for those who need it most
• Reduce isolation within marginalised communities
• Support better mental and physical wellbeing
• Break down barriers and build stronger, more connected communities

Every donation helps open up nature to those who need it most.

Locations and Activities

We are currently working with communities in Bristol, Bath, Cardiff and London, giving young people the opportunity to explore and connect with nature in inspiring and memorable ways. Our programmes take place in a variety of incredible locations, including Dartmoor, Skomer Island, the New Forest, Chew Valley and Glastonbury.

We also collaborate with a range of organisations to provide engaging, hands-on experiences, including RSPB, Butterfly Conservation, WWT Slimbridge, and The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.

Providing a wide variety of nature, climate and environmental based activities is central to our approach because we recognise that every young person connects with nature differently. We do not expect every child to love every activity; instead, we work hard to find the experiences that spark curiosity, confidence, enjoyment for each individual as well as educating and inpiring action.

Our nature activities include birdwatching, bird ringing, looking at moths, butterflies and moths, pond dipping, wildlife walks, nature art and crafts, bio blitzes, outdoor cooking and campfires and conservation projects such as tree planting. Through these experiences, young people develop practical skills, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between nature, biodiversity, climate change and other environmental issues.

What Happens at Our Climate Action Camps?

Black2Nature's Climate Action Camps provide children and young people from VME communities with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to understand and respond to the climate crisis.

A typical day combines outdoor adventure, environmental education, and discussions about climate change and its impact on people, wildlife, and local communities.

We run workshops about climate change, starting with what they know from school, what impact they know climate change is currently having on their countries of ethnicities, in the UK and in and around the city in which they live. This is a very important session, as it is when the young people realise that climate change is having a huge impact on a country and people they care about as well around them. These include flooding and drought in Somalia and Sudan, flooding and high temperatures in Bangladesh and India and hurricanes in the Caribbean. We run workshops utilising art, posters and creative writing to express concern, anger and the need for action as a form of empowerment. 

We also work on climate change prevention, such as reducing energy use through reducing waste, ending fossil fuel use and making use of grants for communites to move to renewable energy, insulation and sustainable practices such as across energy, transportation, food, fashion, IT and finance sectors. 

We also run sessions on preparing for the impact of climate change, such as preparing for higher temperatures, droughts, flooding and water rising in the Severn estuary. Part of this session relates to adaptions, such as the need for trees in cities to give shade and reduce termperatures and tree planting.

The young people return to their parents, families and communities, educating them and helping them prevent, prepare for, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Participants take part in interactive workshops exploring climate change, sustainable living, food systems, and waste reduction. They learn how healthy ecosystems store carbon, improve air quality, reduce flooding, and help communities adapt to a changing climate.

Camp activities encourage teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship, while creating opportunities for young people to discuss issues affecting their communities and consider how they can contribute to positive climate change action.

By the end of each camp, participants leave with practical knowledge, stronger connections to nature, and a greater understanding of the role they can play in creating a more sustainable future.

How the Camps Help Communities Prevent, Prepare for, and Adapt to Climate Change

Our camps help young people prevent climate impacts by promoting sustainable behaviours, and action for change. Participants learn how individual and collective actions can contribute to long-term change to stop climate change.

We help communities prepare for climate change by increasing awareness of extreme weather, habitat loss, declining biodiversity, and environmental inequalities. Young people gain the knowledge and confidence to become advocates for climate action within their families, schools, and communities.

We help communities adapt to a changing climate by promoting nature-based solutions and building resilience. Through practical activities, participants learn how healthy ecosystems can reduce flooding, support wildlife, improve air quality, and strengthen community wellbeing.

By increasing access to nature, knowledge, and environmental leadership opportunities, Black2Nature is helping create a new generation of climate champions from communities that have historically been underrepresented in environmental decision-making.

Projects Run by Young People

There is a growing disconnect between young people and the natural world, so our work focuses on making nature relevant, meaningful, and accessible. Through our activities, we explore the countries our young people and their families come from, discussing how climate change is affecting communities around the world and the actions that can be taken locally and globally.

Our young people actively participate in climate action projects and are passionate about making a difference. One group focused on reducing plastic pollution organised beach litter picks, engaged local communities, and distributed reusable vegetable bags to encourage alternatives to single-use plastics.

We have also delivered tree-planting projects where participants learn about the role trees play in carbon storage, biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem resilience. Young people continue to care for the trees they plant, helping them understand the long-term commitment required to restore and protect natural habitats.

On Skomer Island, we work alongside scientists monitoring Manx shearwater chicks, giving young people a unique opportunity to experience conservation science first-hand. Through these experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation, biodiversity, and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable species.

Our Founder and President

Mya-Rose Craig (Dr Mya-Rose Craig, aka Birdgirl) founded Black2Nature in 2016 after organising nature camps for inner-city teenagers. That same year, she challenged major nature NGOs on their lack of engagement with Visible Minority Ethnic (VME) communities and convened the Race Equality in Nature Conference, exploring barriers to accessing green spaces. Her work was grounded in proven success engaging VME teenagers with nature.

In 2020, aged just 17, she received an honorary Doctorate of Science — becoming the youngest Briton to do so — in recognition of her work through Black2Nature. She is now a leading environmentalist, campaigning for equal access to nature, tackling biodiversity loss and climate change, and amplifying Indigenous rights. Through writing and regular media appearances, she continues to champion Black2Nature’s mission.

Raised in a British Bangladeshi family, Mya-Rose grew up birdwatching with her parents and older sister, Ayesha. Their shared passion for nature shaped her belief that everyone, regardless of background, should have the opportunity to spend time outdoors.

But growing up, she rarely saw anyone who looked like her in natural spaces — which were often dominated by White, middle-aged men. That absence reinforced a sense of not belonging, and continues to drive her work to make nature inclusive for all.

How Black2Nature began

At 13, Mya-Rose read about nature camps in the US and asked a simple question: why don’t these exist in the UK? So she created one.

Twelve teenagers signed up — all affluent, White and boys. It was a wake-up call. The young people who could benefit most from nature weren’t there. Determined to change that, she reached out and brought five visible minority ethnic inner-city boys onto the camp. At first, they were disengaged, unsure, and disconnected from the landscape around them. It felt like the idea might fail.

Then everything changed.

A volunteer compared the speed of a peregrine falcon to a Formula One car. Suddenly, it clicked. The boys leaned in — curious, engaged, inspired. Nature had been made relevant.

That moment shaped everything that followed.

Mya-Rose went on to challenge the UK’s largest nature organisations on their lack of engagement with minority ethnic communities — and when she couldn’t attend their meetings, she brought them together herself. Her conference united environmental leaders and community voices to identify barriers — and solutions.

From this came “nature by stealth”: connecting young people to nature through what they already love. A filmmaking project in an inner-city park engaged 30 teenagers — and most went on to attend a nature camp.

Soon after, Black2Nature was born.

Today, we create life-changing opportunities for marginalised children and young people to access nature, build confidence, and improve their mental health.

Last year alone, we delivered 76 outdoor day events and 16 nature camps, reaching over 3,600 people. Young people have weighed Manx shearwater chicks, worked towards sailing qualifications, and led their own projects, including litter picks and campaigns on ocean plastic.

The impact is clear. Families tell us their children return calmer, more confident, more focused — and better equipped to cope with life’s challenges. These experiences build resilience and help reduce pressure on services like the National Health Service.

But demand is growing — and we urgently need your support.

Your donation will help us run more nature camps and day trips, keeping them free and accessible for those who need them most. Together, we can break down barriers, improve wellbeing, and open up a future where everyone feels they belong in nature.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 8th July 2026 at 10:30am