On a working croft in the Highlands, Lochview Rural Training is helping young people discover purpose and a future connected to the land.

Through hands-on outdoor learning, young people take part in animal care, horticulture, conservation and rural skills projects that build confidence, teamwork and practical life skills.

Many young people arrive having disengaged from school or struggling with confidence. At Lochview they gain qualifications including ASDAN awards, volunteering recognition and vocational skills linked to rural employment.

Young people also shape the organisation through a Youth Steering Group, helping design activities and guide the programme’s direction. For some, the impact is life changing. One participant said the experience helped turn a love of farming into a real career pathway.

For autistic young adults and young people with additional support needs, outdoor learning is not always accessible. Edge Woods is changing that.

Based at Edge Group Scotland’s Musselburgh campus, the project offers inclusive outdoor learning through woodland management, conservation work and nature-based skills development.

Young people help transform the woodland space through planting, path creation and habitat projects while developing teamwork, independence and confidence using practical tools.

Participants say spending time outdoors has improved their wellbeing and self-belief. As one young person reflected: “Seeing the changes we’ve made makes me feel proud and more confident in myself.”

At Castlemilk Youth Complex, a bike club is opening up the outdoors for young people while building practical skills.

CycleWise supports young people to improve fitness through cycling sessions while also learning how to repair and maintain their bikes.

Participants develop resilience, independence and teamwork through mountain biking, group rides and hands-on maintenance workshops. Several young people have progressed to achieving Bronze Velotech certification, gaining recognised cycle maintenance skills.

The project’s impact has even reached national audiences, recently featuring in Aimi Kenyon’s documentary Fresh Cuts, which explores youth mountain biking culture.