Grant available for outdoor learning in Oldham

Suzie Paton, The Ernest Cook Trust’s Head of Grants

Charities and not-for profit organisations in Oldham committed to helping get young people outdoors, are being invited to apply for a grant towards employing an Outdoor Learning Officer.

The grant will be awarded by national educational charity, The Ernest Cook Trust.

It is worth up to £15,000 per year, for up to three years, and is to be used towards funding the salary of an Outdoor Learning Officer, who will help promote the benefits of getting outdoors to young people and their communities.

Suzie Paton, The Ernest Cook Trust’s Head of Grants, said while the Trust already grant funds a number of Outdoor Learning Officer posts in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, applications this time are invited from those working in particular postcodes: BB, BD, BL, CA, CH, CW, FY, HD, HX, L, LA, M, OL, PR, SK, WA and WN.

“We know that inspirational educators are key to helping young people form lasting connections with the natural environment,” said Suzie.

“This is why we prioritise charities and organisations whose approach is to encourage young people to enjoy the outdoors and engage with nature.

"Outdoor Learning Officers educate communities about land, food production and biodiversity, and their work enables society to have a healthy respect for the local environment and drive sustainable behaviour.”

The grant recipient’s new recruit will also get an opportunity to join The Ernest Cook Trust’s network of Outdoor Learning Officers, sharing best practice and exchanging ideas and skills.

As well as giving grants for outdoor learning activities, The Ernest Cook Trust creates outdoor experiences for children, young people and their families, on its own estates and with partner estates across the country.

Applications are open to charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Projects focusing on supporting people with disadvantage – including disadvantage for social, physical, economic or community reasons – are prioritised.

For more information, click here

The deadline for expressions of interest in the grant is January 27.

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