Each project we work on is different because the people we work with are different. We co-create from the very first meeting with an individual, community or organisation.

We have a firm belief that by empowering young people with a deeper connection to nature, we can begin to correct the imbalances in their lives brought about by a world that is far removed from this connection.

We are passionate about sharing knowledge of the natural world and useful real-world skills as a way of improving these young people’s current and future lives.

Our experiences in education have given us insight into the potential harms of consumerism and social media on urban youth. There are no straight and simple answers to these issues. Nature connection, creativity, genuine social engagement are, however, good starting points.

The project founders are Manu Maunganidze and Begonya Miranda, passionate outdoors people with a keen sense of social justice and strong backgrounds in creative youth engagement.

Manu has worked as an educator, community organiser, environmental, adviser to environmental organisations and artist for almost 15 years. He is the founder of The RACE Report and has successfully led multiple organisations in education, environment and creativity.

His main focus is on matching the nature-based and human skills and resources of the adult world with the energy and unbounded potential of urban youth.

Begonya is an educator with a strong track record in community engagement and outdoor activities. She is a feminist and social activists in the strongest sense of the words and works both at NYCE and The Bristol Cable to highlight the stories and skills of the often unheard.

By having conversations with educational institutions, environmental and heritage institutions, youth groups, landowners, businesses, city farms, refugee groups, and others, we aim to create a sustainable model for how nature connection can be used to broaden the horizons and life chances of so many who are at present cut off from it.