The benefits for children and young people of engaging in nature and spending time in natural environments are well evidenced. However, there is a knowledge gap about the barriers and exclusionary dynamics that children and young people, as a diverse demographic group, encounter in their engagements with nature.
In this context this evidence briefing responds to two key aims: first, to report on barriers that affect children and young people of all ages (0-25 years) and their access, use and enjoyment of natural environments informally and in educational settings, and second, to identify interventions and approaches which help overcome these.
Methodologically the briefing uses a standardised, blended review of evidence (academic and grey literature) published between 2010-2026 in the UK to synthesise findings on barriers. It then uses a multi-stage, standardised, AI assisted selection process to identify different organisations and initiatives supporting nature engagement specifically for children and young people.
The briefing details four key barrier categories which variously shape and limit children and young people’s nature relationship. These barriers operate in intersectional ways and are structural (lack of good quality green space); experiential (high senses of nature risk, low senses of nature confidence), cultural (feelings of nature not being for them, competing interests/priorities) and planning/management related (poor playground facilities, lack of nature space in schools).
The briefing also outlines approaches to tackle barriers and enable more inclusive engagements with nature and natural environments. It concludes with summaries of initiatives which range from building family confidence for making nature fun, enhancing young people’s agency and peer mentoring for youth leadership.