Discover Nature Award - Edinburgh

The free Discover Nature Award helps young adults find their place in nature, connect with the outdoors and take action for nature recovery.
About this Event

Find your place in nature

Curious about nature? Want to spend more time outdoors? Looking for ways to make a difference?

The Discover Nature Award could be for you.

It's a free, two-day experience helping young adults connect with nature, build knowledge, meet a supportive community and take their first steps into nature recovery.

Built around our four bases of DNA: Knowledge, Connection, Community and Action, the Award helps you understand the challenges facing nature, strengthen your connection with the outdoors, meet others on a similar journey and discover ways you can play a role in nature recovery.

Across two days, you’ll explore different ways of connecting with nature. You’ll spend time outdoors, learn about nature recovery, hear from people working to restore our natural world and take part in activities designed to help you find your own place in nature.

No previous experience, knowledge or outdoor skills are needed. Whether you’re already passionate about nature or simply curious to learn more, everyone is welcome.

When you sign up, we’ll ask for some information to help us prepare for the Award and understand the impact of our work. You’ll receive more details, including what to expect, what to bring and travel information, in emails before the event.

Want to be part of the next generation finding their place in nature? Sign up today and help us grow.

Still not sure? Hear directly from the DNA community about their experiences and why the Award matters to them in the video below.

About the Award:

The Discover Nature Award is a free, two-day journey designed to help young adults (18–28) build knowledge, connection and community, while finding their place in nature recovery.

The experience is built around two linked strands:

Discover Day (Day 1)
Held in an accessible urban greenspace with good transport links, you’ll explore the nature around you, discover the challenges facing our natural world and reflect on the places you want to connect with, protect and restore.

Nature Day (Day 2)
We’ll meet together before heading off as a group in our DNA vehicle to one of Borders Forest Trust’s Wild Heart sites. You’ll explore how landscapes are changing, discover the role communities can play in nature recovery and get hands-on with rewilding, climate action and community-led restoration. We’ll also introduce responsible access to the outdoors through the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

These two days are connected by our four bases of DNA:

• Knowledge – understanding the challenges facing nature and exploring solutions
• Connection – building a deeper relationship with the natural world
• Community – meeting others and creating a supportive network
• Action – discovering ways to take part in nature recovery

Together, these foundations help you find your place in nature and become part of a community working towards a healthier future for our planet.

What You Get

Every participant receives:

• DNA learning booklet, pencil and neck snood
• DNA graduate iron-on patch
• Free transport to the Day 2 site from a set meeting point
• Highlander Outdoors gear: emergency whistle, survival bag and sit mat
• Access to future DNA graduate events

The Award is designed to be welcoming and accessible. No previous experience, equipment or outdoor skills are needed. Our team will support you throughout, helping make nature recovery feel accessible, practical and enjoyable.

Want to find out more about what the Award involves before signing up? Explore the full Discover Nature Award experience

This event is part of our planned 2027 delivery. We’re currently securing the final funding needed to make sure the Award can happen and remain free for young adults. Our plans are in place, and we’re working hard to make this opportunity a reality.

After the Award:

Completing the Discover Nature Award is just the beginning of your journey with DNA.

After the Award, you’ll become part of the wider Discover Nature community, with opportunities to:

• Join future DNA community events and stay connected with others who have completed the Award.
• Take part in volunteer days and opportunities to get hands-on with nature recovery.
• Join future Discover Nature Camps and continue exploring the outdoors with the DNA community.
• Discover opportunities from our partners, including volunteering and ways to get involved in projects helping restore nature.

We want DNA to be more than just two days. It’s the start of a journey, helping young adults find their place in nature and become part of a community taking action for nature recovery.

Your Award Details:

Discover Day (Day 1)
📍 Location: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
🕙 Time: 10am–5pm

Nature Day (Day 2)
📍 Meet-up point: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
🕙 Time: 8am-6:30pm

🚐 On day 2 we’ll travel together as a group in the DNA vehicle to one of Borders Forest Trust’s Wild Heart sites.

More detailed meeting point information, travel information, what to bring and what to expect will be shared with everyone who signs up before the Award.