Contact us
Visit CPRE.org
Donate
Inspiring Hampshire’s next generation of countryside champion
From hedge laying to meadow discoveries, CPRE Hampshire have been helping young people across Hampshire get hands-on with nature – and discover how they can help protect it.
In 2026, CPRE Hampshire set out to inspire more young people to discover, enjoy and care for our precious countryside.
Through our Hampshire Hedge, Magnificent Meadows and centenary projects, we’ve been giving young people opportunities to get outdoors, learn new skills and make a real difference to their local environment.
Here are some of this year’s highlights:
- 6 young people trained in traditional hedge laying through our traineeship programme
- 2 Sparsholt College students completed six-week work placements with us
- 13 primary and secondary schools took part in our Hedgerow Heroes project
- 2 local schools got involved with our Magnificent Meadows project
- Youth groups including Winchester Explorer Scouts, Winchester Youth Counselling and Parent for Future Winchester enjoyed bespoke meadows sessions
- Creative countryside events brought to life through our Creative Countryside Day and meadow sessions at Milestones Museum
- Hedgentines, a national event designed by young people, for young people
This year’s activities have shown just how enthusiastic young people can be when given the chance to connect with nature.
And these opportunities don’t have to be far from home. Through local projects like Magnificent Meadows and the Hampshire Hedge, young people can explore nature, grow in confidence and make a positive difference in their own communities.
We’re looking forward to building on this year’s success, reconnecting with groups we’ve worked with and inspiring even more young people across Hampshire to become champions for our countryside.
Feedback from our activities for young people
“The CPRE Hampshire hedge laying traineeship was pivotal in facilitating my entry into a profession where finding your feet can otherwise be difficult. The experience of working full-time in the trade was invaluable, giving me the foundation and opportunity to secure a subsequent season of work. Just as importantly, it introduced me to two fantastic colleagues who have since become great friends. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the lasting impact it will have on my working life.”
– Josh, Hedge laying trainee 2025/26
“Wildflower meadows are so important – I grew up with meadow management and it’s an art that’s been lost. Getting out and doing practical meadow management has been great to get involved with.”
– Sparsholt College student
“I had an amazing time at Creative Countryside Day. I dragged my teens along and they were the last to leave! … The day was just delightful – so relaxed and inclusive that you felt really able to enjoy the crafts.”
– Creative Countryside Day attendee
“Thanks for such a great learning experience and opportunity today! … What a fantastic day!! We are still buzzing from all that learning – I can’t believe we saw a devil’s coach horse beetle!”
– Milestones Museum session participant
Download our report
> Read more in our report: Involving the next generation in our work to protect and enhance the Hampshire Countryside
