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A hands-on wildlife and conservation programme for 14–18 year-olds in the River Thame catchment.
We’re excited to launch New Shoots: River Thame Edition — a brand new version of the successful New Shoots youth programme, now rooted in the landscapes and habitats of the River Thame.
Designed for and with young people, this year-long opportunity gives you the chance to explore nature, learn from local conservation experts, and get involved in practical habitat work along rivers, streams, meadows and wetlands.
Run by River Thame Conservation Trust, in partnership with local wildlife groups and environmental organisations, New Shoots 2025 is all about getting outdoors, meeting like-minded people, and gaining real skills and experience in conservation, no exams or prior experience needed!
Species ID and field survey skills
Learn how to spot and identify birds, insects, plants and mammals. Try real monitoring techniques and contribute to local conservation records.
Practical conservation tasks
Get involved in looking after riverside habitats. From planting native species to managing reed beds and removing invasive plants, you’ll help protect local wildlife.
Explore River Thame’s unique habitats
This catchment is home to precious and rare habitats like chalk streams, wet grasslands, historic floodplains and ancient woodlands. You'll visit and learn about them all.
New Shoots is open to young people who:
You don’t need any experience or specialist knowledge, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in. Whether you're already into nature or just beginning your journey, you're very welcome.
We’ll ask you to answer two short questions about your interest in wildlife — nothing too formal, just a chance to tell us a bit about yourself.
Applications are open until midnight Monday 25 August 2025. Spaces are limited, so get your application in early!
If you have any questions or need support with applying, just email enquiries@riverthame.org — we’re happy to help.
We’re an environmental charity working to protect and restore nature across the River Thame catchment.
From community-led wildlife surveys to restoring chalk streams and supporting water vole recovery, we work with people of all ages to help nature thrive.
Stay up to date with our work with quarterly updates straight to your inbox
Read past issues of our newsletter here.
We are a small registered charity and rely on grants and donations to keep our important work for wildlife and water quality going.
If you’d like to support us by making a one off or regular donation you can below.
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