The Youth Agency :: Wester Hailes, Edinburgh

Young people can benefit greatly from discovering and learning about the natural environment. The challenges that exist and the experiences gained can make a significant impact on the personal and social development of young people, and on the improvement of the local environment.

The Youth Agency currently provides John Muir Awards. The John Muir Award is a scheme that encourages the discovery and conservation of wild places, in the spirit of adventure and exploration. There are three awards, beginning with the Discoverer, progressing to Explorer, and finally to the Conserver. Young people aged 12-16 are enabled to engage in conservation at a local, national, and global level. Projects may focus on a nearby pond or form part of a global initiative.