Restoring Nature Where People Live
Communities across the Scottish Borders face multiple barriers to accessing nature and engaging with environmental restoration. Bright Green Nature addresses this by bringing people directly into the work of protecting and restoring biodiversity, whether in local gardens, school grounds, or their 60-acre species-rich grassland near Selkirk. Through practical, hands-on activities, participants gain ecological knowledge, confidence, and a sense of agency in safeguarding their local environment.
Grassroots Programmes for All Ages
Bright Green Nature runs the Wild Your Space (WYS) programme, supporting over 40 schools, families, and community groups to restore nature in their own spaces. The WYS Ambassadors initiative trains motivated local champions to lead projects and inspire others, building social cohesion and community engagement. For young people, the Young Rewilders Forum (16–24 years) provides a platform to develop skills in advocacy, communications, and conservation, while the Young Rangers programme (9–15 years) teaches practical nature skills alongside leadership and teamwork.
Funding from The John Good Group will enable Bright Green Nature to expand these programmes, prioritising disadvantaged, rural, and underrepresented communities. The grant provides training, tools, mentoring, and ecological advice for local biodiversity projects, as well as improved access to their 60-acre grassland “living classroom.” This support strengthens youth leadership, skills development, and community-led nature restoration, ensuring a lasting environmental and social impact in the region.
We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to have been shortlisted by The John Good Group. Being recognised for the work we do at Bright Green Nature – empowering communities and young people to restore nature and take climate action – means the world to us. It has been incredibly motivating for our team, volunteers, and especially the young people we support, to know that John Good Group employees see value in our mission.
I am inspired by Karen’s passion for conservation and the way Bright Green Nature combines scientific expertise with community engagement. Their programmes, from Wild Your Space to the Young Rewilders Forum, build skills, confidence, and leadership among people of all ages while restoring vital habitats. Karen’s vision, supported by a strong team and trusted partnerships, ensures that the charity’s grassroots work has both lasting environmental and social impact. It’s a brilliant example of local action creating real change.
Latest Project Updates
September 2025
Granted £2,000
After employees at the John Good Group voted for their favourite causes, Bright Green Nature received a grant of £2,000.
August 2025
Grants for Good Finalist
Bright Green Nature has become one of the top five finalists in the latest Grants for Good round, and will receive a grant between £2000 and £5000 after employees at the John Good Group have voted on their favourite causes.