WIVEY teens are getting help to boost their environmental skills as part of a National Grid supported project.

Up to 60 young people are involved in the Green Teens project being run by the Wiveliscombe charity In The Mix Project.

Financial support from National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Community Matters Fund is enabling them to develop wildlife-friendly areas, make bird boxes, plant pollinator-friendly flowers and grow fruit and vegetables.

Sessions take place at the In The Mix Project’s community garden and forest school, as well as at other green spaces in Wiveliscombe.

In The Mix Project chief executive officer Nick Harvey said: “Many of the young people we support live in rural areas with limited access to structured activities and experience social isolation, anxiety or low confidence.

“By involving them in meaningful environmental action, we will increase biodiversity, strengthen confidence and help participants develop practical skills.

“We are delighted to have received Community Matters Fund backing for our Green Teens project, which will support staff-led sessions and provide resources for planting, gardening and supporting wildlife.

“National Grid’s funding means we can bring in skilled staff, buy the right equipment and deliver safe, inclusive sessions without putting that cost onto families.”

The Community Matters Fund regularly provides grants for charities and community groups and has given more than £12 million to 2,258 organisations since it began in 2021.

Andlyn White, National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Social Impact Business Partner, said: “The Green Teens project was the ideal fit for funding to support the use of community green spaces.

“It’s not only offering practical ways to enhance nature but giving teenagers a greater sense of ownership of their local environment.”

Among the tasks the teenagers are tackling will be creating a wildlife pond, litter-picking and improving accessibility within community green spaces.