The groundbreaking Green Influencers Scheme, a nationwide initiative to encourage young people in environmental projects, has wrapped up successfully with over 6,700 participants taking part across England.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust's Green Influencers Scheme has ended after three years.

The scheme was facilitated by UK educational charity The Ernest Cook Trust.

The Trust aided 36 Host Organisations in funding the employment of 44 Green Mentors to spearhead environmental social action projects.

This enabled young people to become 'Green Influencers'.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Green Influencers undertook projects including creating an eco-classroom, a mindfulness garden and pollinator corridors, initiating a school-wide recycling system, and conducting a workshop at a national youth worker conference.

The scheme was made possible through the match-funded #iwill Fund, a joint £66 million investment from The National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Over 200 young people from Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland engaged with 2,326 members of the public through community events and activities.

Liz Heard, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Eco Mentor said: “We have worked with some truly amazing young people who have made a big impact on their local community and wildlife.

“The Trust may have helped them build skills to help them in the future and enriched their wellbeing and connection to nature, but, in turn, they’ve enriched the project so much - they should be very proud of what they’ve achieved. We're really excited to continue to deliver youth-led projects, so if you're a teacher or youth leader please do get in touch.”