frequently asked questions
General questions
What is GreenPrints?
GreenPrints is an England-wide scheme which makes it easier for 16 to 25 year olds to improve their environment for the benefit of people and wildlife.
There are two strands to the scheme; Events and Flagships.
Events are one or two day conservation projects that enable young people to simply sign up, turn up and take part in interesting and meaningful environmental volunteering.
Flagships are longer term projects led by young people with support from GreenPrints in the form of Mentors and up to £10,000 in funding.
Who are the organisations behind GreenPrints?
The programme uses the experience and expertise of five organisations:
- SITA Trust and v, the youth volunteering charity, are funding the programme. SITA Trust has provided £1million and v is providing an additional £1million through the Match Fund programme
- SITA Trust and BTCV are managing the overall programme
- BTCV and the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts are supporting the practical delivery of the projects by providing mentor-support for volunteers
- The BBC are including the programme within their national Breathing Places campaign
By working together the GreenPrints partnership creates opportunities for young people to make a visible difference to their local environments and communities.
How long will GreenPrints run for?
GreenPrints is a three year programme running from June 2007 to June 2010
Why is GreenPrints only for people aged 16-25?
GreenPrints is a match funded programme with funding from SITA Trust and v, the youth volunteering charity. v are working to create a million new volunteers aged 16-25 and GreenPrints is one of the schemes that will help achieve this.
What is a green space?
A green space is any publically accessible outdoor space which can be improved for wildlife and people. Examples include a park, village green, nature reserve, city farm, pond, lake, stream, canal, beach, cycle track etc.
Event questions
What are GreenPrints Events?
GreenPrints Events are one or two day volunteering projects enabling young people to simply sign up, turn up and take part in worthwhile, fun and interesting conservation work. The projects will help improve public green spaces for the benefit of wildlife and people. Sign up for an Event and you might end up creating a community composting facility or preserving habitats for an endangered species like the Great Crested Newt. No previous experience or particular skills are required.
Where do GreenPrints Events take place?
Events will be taking place all over England.
Can I organise a GreenPrints Event?
No, Events are organised by environmental professionals from BTCV and The Wildlife Trusts. However, if you have an idea for an Event please contact us and we will pass your idea on to those orgainsing Events in your area.
How do I find out about GreenPrints Events taking place in my area?
Details of how to find Events in your area will be posted here soon.
Flagship questions
What are Flagships?
Flagships are environmental projects led by young people aged 16 to 25. The projects must focus on improving a public green space (such as a park, beach or canal) for people and wildlife. Flagships can last for up to 12 months and usually involve learning lots of new skills
I’ve got a great idea for a GreenPrints Flagship project – what do I do next?
If you have an idea for a Flagship Project you should start by completing a stage one application form. This will help you to think through the idea in more detail and it will enable us to understand if your project is something we can support.
If your project is suitable we will put you in touch with a Mentor who will help you develop your idea into a stage two application. This application will be assessed and a funding decision will be made.
How much can I apply for?
Projects can apply for up to £10,000 to make physical improvements to a green space. All projects that are successful at stage one will be assigned a Mentor who will provide practical support.
What can GreenPrints funding be spent on?
GreenPrints funding can be spent on anything involved in making physical improvements to a green space. This might include buying tools, materials, training or transport for volunteers etc. Funding might also be used to promote and celebrate the project or pay for more specialist support.
How will the Mentor help me with my Flagship project?
The Mentor will guide and support you as you develop your project idea. If your project is supported by GreenPrints the Mentor will provide practical advice throughout your project.
What will I get out of being part of a GreenPrints Flagship project?
- Improve your CV
Research suggests that employers prefer people with volunteering experience. It'll give you something to talk about in an interview too.
- Learn new skills
Take part in a Flagship project and learn useful new skills. Whether it's how to build a dry stone wall, use power tools or create habitats for endangered species - you'll come away knowing more than when you started.
- Act on something that’s important to you
Fed up with seeing the local canal filled with rubbish? Set up a GreenPrints Flagship project and start making your mark on the environment.
- Meet new people and have fun
Get active in your community and you’ll be sure to meet lots of new people
Further questions
If you have a question which has not been answered here please contact us
