A Somerset environmental education charity is playing a major part in a £4.5 million project to help disadvantaged students connect with nature.

The Field Studies Council is one of the key organisations involved in delivering the Generation Green 2 project.

By next spring, the initiative aims to provide more than 41,500 nature connection experiences to young people who would otherwise miss out on outdoor opportunities.

The charity expects to welcome nearly 4,000 young people to its field centres, including Nettlecombe Court in Williton, after receiving almost £800,000 in funding.

Mark Castle, CEO of the Field Studies Council, said: "Through this project, the Field Studies Council is inspiring thousands of young people to access nature for the first time and ignite that vital spark of curiosity in the world around them.

"Over recent months, we’ve already seen their eyes widen, horizons expand, and possibilities multiply for their future relationship with the natural environment."

The Generation Green 2 project is the second initiative from the Access Unlimited coalition, which includes the Field Studies Council, YHA (England & Wales), The Outward Bound Trust, Scouts, Girlguiding, nine English National Parks, and the National Landscapes Association.

The project is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and aims to address inequalities in access to nature by fostering a wider interest in green spaces among the next generation.

Research indicates that poorer communities and ethnic minorities in the UK have the worst access to green spaces.

Eighteen per cent of children living in the most deprived areas never spend time in any natural space.

Almost half of the country's most socially deprived areas are more than 15 miles by road from a protected landscape, such as a National Park or National Landscape.

Inadequate transport options further limit opportunities to explore these landscapes.

Mr Castle added: "Our charity is enabling secondary school students and young adults to access personal and professional learning through online and place-based courses about nature.

"We’re excited to be providing unique experiences and guided access to nature for the young people most in need of opportunity.

"For many of us, we take being able to step outside and explore the natural world for granted.

"Showing these young people that nature can not only provide a lifetime of enjoyment and wellbeing but how it can also offer opportunities for incredible future study and fulfilling careers is a privilege.

"We are really pleased to be playing a part in their journey of discovery."

For more information about the Field Studies Council, visit field-studies-council.org.