Nature Based Activities for Teenagers in Oxfordshire

Where are the opportunities for teenagers to engage with nature in Oxfordshire? There are lots of great activities aimed at families with younger children, but when they get a bit older, it all feels a bit childish.

If you are a teenager who wants to find somewhere to go for nature based fun activities with people of your own age, either with your family, or on your own, where do you look?

We have done a bit of a scan and come up with the following list. It’s a bit of a sparce offering. If you know of more, please let us know!

  1. There’s us - Oxford Earth Academy! We offer work experience, Duke of Edinburgh volunteering opportunities, Oxfordshire Schools Sustainability Network and more.

  2. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is probably the best option. They run work experience weeks, a summer youth forum, and other activities. But they are very oversubscribed so you have to get in early.

  3. The Parasol Project has some wonderful activities that can get you out into nature such as lazer tag and bushcraft. Activities for teenagers - Parasol Project

  4. The wonderful Earth Trust is doing a great job. Whilst still catering primarily for younger children, they are growing their offering for teens - both for school visits, and for families. Get in touch with them for their latest opportunities.

  5. Our local Wildlife Trust, BBOWT, has also recognised the need and offers youth volunteering and wildlife clubs for up to 17yo.

  6. Some of the community groups who manage wild spaces, such as Hogacre Common, Cutteslowe Greenhouse, and Boundary Brook, offer opportunities for all ages to get involved.

  7. There are also tourist attractions which are fantastic for teens such as The Falconry centre at Milletts Farm and the Cotswold Wildlife Park. Might be worth asking for work experience at either.

  8. FarmED- Food and Farming Education. THE place to learn about regenerative farming. Fantastic farm walks and talks. Great for school / uni / college students. Delicious food in the cafe, and a wonderful relaxing place to be.

  9. If you are interested in a college course, Abingdon and Witney College have great courses in Agriculture, Wildlife and Conservation, Animal care and Horticulture.

  10. Scout and Guide groups are also doing more nature based activities. The Scouts have some relevant badges.

  11. There are a number of water based activities on offer such as the Sea Scouts, paddle boarding, and sailing clubs, which give you the opportunities to be in nature, but not always to learn about it.

  12. There are also some fantastic national schemes from organisations such as the John Muir Organisation, Field Studies Council, RSPB, and National Trust.

As well as The Oxford Earth Academy (us!), and the Natural History Museum, there many nature-based organisations that may offer valuable work experience if you ping them an email. Try Oxford City Farm, Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, or Science Oxford.