Field Studies Council Youth Panel 2026: Join the UK-Wide Youth Environmental Leadership Panel

Overview

The Field Studies Council Youth Panel 2026 provides a platform for young people in the United Kingdom to share their perspectives and influence one of the nation's leading environmental education charities. Panel members collaborate with staff and trustees, advocate for their generation, and help direct how the organisation engages young people with nature, outdoor learning, and conservation.

This voluntary position spans a two-year commitment designed to develop practical capabilities in decision-making, communication, and environmental leadership. Participants engage in a mix of monthly online meetings and an annual in-person residential weekend.

Benefits

Attend a fully covered residential weekend at a Field Studies Council field centre, scheduled for 6–8 November 2026 at Preston Montford, Shropshire.
Access heavily subsidised online and in-person Biodiversity Courses and training opportunities.
Connect with a network of fellow young naturalists, environmentalists, and peers.
Build transferable skills including meeting participation, collaboration, advocacy, and public engagement.
Create and contribute content for social media platforms and environmental blogs.
Represent youth perspectives in organisational discussions, events, and conferences.

Eligibility

Must be aged between 16 and 18 at the time of application.
Must be based in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland), with specific encouragement for applicants from Scotland and Wales.
Must be available to attend the residential weekend from 6 to 8 November 2026 at Preston Montford.
Must be able to commit approximately a couple of hours per month, attending a minimum of four meetings annually.
No previous professional or extensive environmental experience is required.

How to Apply

Applicants can submit their details through the official online form. The application requires responses to three main prompts regarding personal motivation, learning goals, and individual contributions, adhering to specific word limits.

For individuals who find online forms difficult, an alternative format is available allowing video or audio recordings of up to three minutes per question, which can be sent via email to the youth engagement team.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 9:00 pm on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

Overview

Benefits

Attend a fully covered residential weekend at a Field Studies Council field centre, scheduled for 6–8 November 2026 at Preston Montford, Shropshire.

Access heavily subsidised online and in-person Biodiversity Courses and training opportunities.

Connect with a network of fellow young naturalists, environmentalists, and peers.

Build transferable skills including meeting participation, collaboration, advocacy, and public engagement.

Create and contribute content for social media platforms and environmental blogs.

Represent youth perspectives in organisational discussions, events, and conferences.

Eligibility

Must be aged between 16 and 18 at the time of application.

Must be based in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland), with specific encouragement for applicants from Scotland and Wales.

Must be available to attend the residential weekend from 6 to 8 November 2026 at Preston Montford.

Must be able to commit approximately a couple of hours per month, attending a minimum of four meetings annually.

No previous professional or extensive environmental experience is required.

How to Apply