Unique opportunity for 16–25-year-olds to apply for a 90% subsidised, Darwin-inspired scholarship, combining environmental education and ongoing support.
Applications have now closed for 2023.
The Field Studies Council has a charitable mission to engage and connect everyone with the outdoors and therefore covers 90% of the cost of the scholarship. Scholars will pay the remaining 10% (Only £45 for a day series or £90 for a residential)
The Young Darwin Scholarship is funded through grants and donations from the Field Studies Council and external donors and organisations such as the Our Bright Future project (The National Lottery Community Fund), Generation Green project (Defra and Dept Education funds), the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) and Groundworks, who all believe in the benefits of supporting young people.
What is included in the scholarship?
The scholarship starts with a residential trip, or series of day trips, at locations across the UK, with each experience centring around time outdoors in environmentally engaging spaces. During these experiences, scholars will:
After the residential trip/day series, scholars will receive an exclusive support package, including:
- Dedicated staff member to advise and assist with your chosen environmental pathways.
- Access to our wide range of Natural History Courses at a heavily discounted rate. There are close to 200 courses covering 30+ subjects that run online and at locations across the country.
- Opportunities to meet and connect with other scholars at events throughout the year.
- Series of online webinars covering career and academic advice, current environmental topics and projects, and wider environmental themes.
We have been successfully running this programme since 2012 and have awarded scholarships to over 250 young people. This year, we are awarding another 80 places to young people from across the UK to celebrate the Field Studies Council’s 80th birthday.
The Field Studies Council Youth Council and other environmental organisations have had significant input on the content of the scholarship to ensure what is being offered is relevant to the young people of today.
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What does the scholarship help you develop?
- Comprehension – Scholars will be provided with the opportunity to develop and practice a wide range of practical skills, including practical observation, planning, recording, management, conservation and field and Identification skills.
- Confidence – The scholarship will develop young people’s confidence in their networking, knowledge and practical skill set, equipping them with the appropriate tools to secure a future in the natural history sector.
- Connections – Scholars will establish connections to outdoor spaces through exposure to a range of landscapes, as well as having the opportunity to network and meet like-minded individuals who share their passion for the natural world.
- Careers – Scholars can explore a range of careers and opportunities by meeting inspirational speakers and experts in the field. The scholarship will also support them in obtaining the skills, knowledge and confidence to progress towards a career in the natural history sector.
What do you gain during the week away?
- Species survey and identification skills – All scholars should learn the skills to survey and identify a range of plants, trees, fungi or other vegetation, and/or a range of vertebrates and invertebrates.
- Habitat survey and monitoring skills – All scholars should experience a range of habitats, including protected areas, and understand how and why areas are managed. They should also understand the varied ways that habitat is monitored and surveyed and how this contributes to its protection.
- Transferable skill development – Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in a range of sessions to develop their transferable skills.
- Knowledge and understanding – Scholars will have increased awareness and understanding of the natural world and the challenges it faces through a range of experiences, talks and workshops.
- Career guidance and advice – Scholars will interact with industry professionals who can help to inspire and nurture their interest in the natural world.
What are the on-going benefits of the scholarship?
- Discounts – Discounts on Field Studies Council natural history courses (1 in-person and 2 online). Free Field Studies Council identification guides.
- Events and webinars – Scholars will be invited to a range of events which could include webinars, courses, Young Darwin Scholar exclusive events or wider Field Studies Council events.
- Support – Scholars will receive the support and advice of the Learning Development Officer (LDO). Scholars will also receive regular updates from the LDO, through a regular newsletter.
- Feedback – Young Darwin Scholars will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the Field Studies Council and shape the way our youth engagement looks.
Locations and dates:
Aged 16–17 Residential: Nettlecombe Court, Somerset (28.08.23 – 01.09.23)
5 day residential, Monday to Friday
Cost to scholar: £90
Our Nettlecombe residential provides a unique opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and develop new ecological skills and knowledge. With activities focusing on identification of local flora and fauna, habitat management and practical conservation, there is so much on offer with this exciting opportunity!
For those using public transport, a minibus will be arranged to collect and drop off scholars at the nearest train station (Taunton) on the first and last day.
Aged 16–17 Residential: Preston Montford, Shropshire (28.08.23 – 01.09.23)
5 day residential, Monday to Friday
Cost to scholar: £90
Based at our headquarters and near to the birthplace of Charles Darwin, our Preston Montford residential provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself with exciting opportunities, developing skills and knowledge in the identification of local flora and fauna, habitat management and biodiversity preservation.
For those using public transport, a minibus will be arranged to collect and drop off scholars at the nearest train station (Shrewsbury) on the first and last day.
Aged 18–25 Residential: Millport, Isle of Cumbrae (24.07.23 – 28.07.23)
5 day residential, Monday to Friday
Cost to scholars: £90
Based at our Millport field centre in Scotland, this exciting residential will consider all things marine. Whether looking at the amazing array of marine flora and fauna on offer on the Isle of Cumbrae or considering the impacts of marine pollution on coastal ecosystems, this residential will provide you with a new and exciting opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and learn new skills to assist you with an education or career in natural history.
Please note, access to this field centre is via a short ferry journey. The group will meet and make this journey together.
The nearest train station is Largs, which has good links to Glasgow.
Aged 18–25 Day Series: London (07.08.23 – 10.08.23)
4 day, non-residential, Monday to Thursday
Cost to scholar: £45
Working with a range of exciting organisations and looking at topics such as the identification of local flora and fauna, habitat management and native species recovery, our London day series will provide excellent opportunities to meet industry experts, learn unique field skills and connect with young people with similar interests.
Each day activity will be in a location that is fully accessible via public transport. The group will meet at a designated point each day before commencing the activities.
Aged 18–25 Day Series: York (21.08.23 – 24.08.23)
4 day, non-residential, Monday to Thursday
Cost to scholar: £45
Working with a range of exciting organisations and looking at topics such as rewilding, tree health and native species recovery, our York day series will provide excellent opportunities to meet industry experts, learn unique field skills and connect with young people with similar interests.
Each day will be in a location that is fully accessible via public transport. The group will meet at a designated point each day before commencing the activities.
For those using public transport, on certain days, a minibus will be arranged to collect and drop off scholars at a central York location
Useful information to know before applying. Accessibility and support.
The residential cost includes food and accommodation.
The content between the residential and day series is similar, with the main difference being no overnight stay.
We welcome all young people regardless of their backgrounds or experiences. You do not need a degree or any qualifications to be a scholar. All we ask is that you have an interest in nature and are open to learning new environmental skills and discovering more about the environmental pathways you can follow while being part of a group of like-minded people who all share an interest in the natural world.
If you have any support needs or any other questions about accessibility or criteria that you want to discuss before applying for the scholarship, then please get in touch.
If the cost of travelling to the course or the 10% contribution is stopping you from applying, please do talk to us. We are able to provide funding to support those most in need to broaden the accessibility of the scholarship. Requests for financial support will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. We understand this is sensitive information, and no financial information will be shared with other scholars.
Email: [email protected]
Application Process
The application process is an easy-to-use online form which includes three main questions:
- Tell us about your interest in the natural world (Max 300 words)
Ideas for answers: What is it about the natural world that interests you, what has inspired this interest, where did it come from, and why is it important to you? What topics about the natural world grab your attention? Do you have a favourite plant, animal or fungus? - What do you do to connect with the outdoors? (Max 300 words)
Ideas for answers: Think about the places you visit, what do you enjoy about them, what activities do you do while there? Are you a part of any clubs or societies, do you do any volunteering? Do you practice any environmental skills? Are they any local green spaces you like to explore? Why is this connection to the natural world important to you? - Why should you be awarded a Young Darwin Scholarship? (Max 300 words)
Ideas for answers: What is it you hope to gain and learn as a Young Darwin Scholar? What are your environmental goals and interests – these can be academic, career or personal. How would you like to be supported while being a Young Darwin Scholar?
If you find answering online forms difficult and would rather talk through and answer the application questions, please contact [email protected] with your contact phone number and availability to call.
The application form will take between 10 and 20 minutes to complete. It can be useful to write your thoughts down in a word or google document and then copy and paste them into this form.
Scholars will be chosen based on their answers in the application. All answers will be assessed against scoring criteria, and the Youth Council will be part of the selection process. There is no follow-up interview process.
Applications must be submitted by 9pm on Sunday, the 4th of June, 2023. Successful applicants will be contacted by June 12th 2023 and will have a week to accept the scholarship.
To keep up to date with all of our opportunities for young people (16-25), sign up for our Youth Mailing List. This is highly recommended, as the mailing list gets first access to offers, discounts and opportunities.
“I have loved my time on the scholarship. I have learned a lot of new skills and had some great experiences with great people. I’d recommend the scholarship to anyone with any environmental or wildlife interest.”
Young Darwin Scholar 2021
If you have any questions regarding your application or the scholarship, please email:
[email protected]