Action for Conservation
Action for Conservation is a UK charity delivering free youth-focused environmental education and intergenerational nature restoration programmes to young people aged 12-24 across England and Wales, funded entirely through donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Action for Conservation does
Action for Conservation (AFC) is a UK charitable incorporated organisation founded in 2014 that delivers youth-focused environmental education and intergenerational nature restoration programmes across England and Wales. It operates through three interconnected programme pillars: Nature Education (the WildED school programme, used in secondary schools and youth groups); Youth Leadership (Residential Summer Camps in UK National Parks for ages 12-16, the Ambassador Programme, Youth Rangerships, and Youth Trustee governance roles); and Nature Restoration (three flagship projects — the Penpont Project in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales; the Heartwood Project on a 160-acre farm in Derbyshire; and Green Shoots at Grow Wilder, a 5-acre brownfield restoration in Bristol). All programmes are free to participants aged 12-24, and the organisation prioritises young people facing the greatest barriers to accessing nature.
AFC is funded entirely through donations with no fee-based revenue. Income streams include individual giving (one-off, monthly 'Friends of AFC' donations, legacy bequests, and the League of Leaves community fundraising programme), corporate sponsorships (Patagonia, Lush, Evolt Charging, Universal Colours, Wilful, Mewburn), and grants from charitable trusts and foundations (Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, The Dulverton Trust, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Heritage Fund, Ernest Cook Trust). Delivery occurs through three regional offices (London, Bristol, Manchester) and strategic partnerships with Avon Wildlife Trust, Heartwood Social Farm CIC, The Gaia Foundation, and Wildwood Trust, among others. The charity has reached over 6,000 young people with positive action for nature and supported over 350 youth-led projects over the past decade, and operates with a staff of approximately 31.
Action for Conservation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Action for Conservation
- Legal name
- Action for Conservation
- Website
- https://actionforconservation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Action for Conservation is a UK charity delivering free youth-focused environmental education and intergenerational nature restoration programmes to young people aged 12-24 across England and Wales, funded entirely through donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Action for Conservation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Education and Conservation Charity Services
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Environmental Education & Outreach (BPAGAGAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Education & Community Programs (Junior Ranger, Citizen Science, School Programs) (THAAAGAK), Outdoor & Wilderness Education Schools (Field-Based Learning) (THAAAOAA)
Keywords
Where Action for Conservation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Action for Conservation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: Charitable donations from individuals, including one-time gifts and regular monthly contributions as 'Friends of AFC'. Donations are facilitated through the Big Give platform and direct giving.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Financial support from corporate partners including Patagonia, Lush, Evolt Charging, Mewburn, Wilful, and Universal Colours. Partners may also provide gifts in kind, pro bono support, and participate in charity of the year nominations.
- Trust and Foundation Grants: Funding from charitable foundations and trusts including Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, The Dulverton Trust, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Heritage Fund, and others.
- Community Fundraising: Individuals fundraise for the charity through the League of Leaves programme, athletic events, creative pursuits, and other personal fundraising activities.
- Legacy Giving: The charity encourages supporters to leave bequests in their Wills, described as leaving a 'lasting legacy' for future generations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | Free programmes for young people aged 12-24 |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Action for Conservation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Action for Conservation is a UK charity that delivers free nature education, youth leadership development, and community-led nature restoration programmes for young people aged 12-24. Its offerings include the WildED school education programme, residential Summer Camps, the Ambassador leadership programme, three flagship restoration projects (Penpont, Heartwood, Green Shoots at Grow Wilder), and employment/governance pathways via Youth Rangerships and Youth Trustee roles. All programmes are provided free of charge to participants, funded through donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants from charitable trusts and foundations.
Product overview
Action for Conservation operates a portfolio of interconnected youth environmental education and nature restoration programmes. The core offerings include the WildED school education programme, Residential Summer Camps for ages 12-16, and the Ambassador leadership programme. These are supported by three major Intergenerational Nature Restoration Projects: the Penpont Project (Wales), Heartwood Project (Derbyshire), and Green Shoots at Grow Wilder (Bristol), where young people gain hands-on conservation experience. Additional pathways include Youth Rangerships (employment) and Youth Trustee roles (governance). The programmes collectively aim to inspire a youth movement committed to conservation, restoration and environmental action.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- WildED: Education programme delivered in secondary schools and youth groups
- Youth Rangership
- Youth Trustee
- League of Leaves
- Friends of AFC
- AFC Guardian
Products and services
- WildED Programme A free secondary school and youth group education programme designed by teachers, environmental educators, young people and youth workers, addressing eco-anxiety, nature disconnect, and feelings of powerlessness for young people aged 12-24 across England and Wales.
- Residential Summer Camps Free residential camps for young people aged 12-16 held in UK National Parks, offering wildlife exploration, hands-on conservation activities, skill-building, and adventure on an application basis.
- Ambassador Programme A youth leadership programme in which mentees become powerful voices for nature, supporting young people to lead environmental projects and campaigns in their communities and shape decision-making within the sector.
- Penpont Project A community-led intergenerational nature restoration project at Penpont Estate in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Wales, where young people co-design restoration alongside partner organisations, farmers, experts and local people.
- Green Shoots at Grow Wilder A 5-acre brownfield site restoration project in Bristol, delivered in partnership with Avon Wildlife Trust as part of the National Lottery Community Funded Intergenerational Action for Climate and Nature project, where young people co-design the restoration.
- Heartwood Project A 160-acre nature restoration project at High Leas Farm in the Derwent Valley, Derbyshire, delivered in partnership with Heartwood Social Farm CIC, where young people participate in eco-cultural mapping, ecological surveys, and intergenerational restoration work.
- Youth Rangerships Paid employment and leadership opportunities for young people aged 18-24 to gain practical conservation experience and professional development at AFC's restoration project sites.
- Youth Trustee Roles Governance leadership positions for young people drawn from AFC's network of Ambassadors and Alumni, helping shape the charity's strategic direction through the Board of Trustees.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 6,000 young people inspired to take positive action for nature over the past decade
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Action for Conservation
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Action for Conservation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Action for Conservation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- Avon Wildlife TrustcorePartnership with Avon Wildlife Trust to deliver the Green Shoots at Grow Wilder project, restoring a 5-acre brownfield site in Bristol. Part of National Lottery Community Funded Intergenerational Action for Climate and Nature project. AFC leads with young people co-designing the restoration.
- Heartwood Social Farm CICcorePartnership with Heartwood Social Farm CIC to deliver the Heartwood Project on 160-acre High Leas Farm in Derbyshire. Part of National Lottery Community Funded Intergenerational Action for Climate and Nature project. Young people participate in eco-cultural mapping and ecological surveys.
- The Gaia FoundationcoreBrought eco-cultural mapping tools first pioneered by indigenous communities of the Amazon basin. Supporting seed sovereignty work including black oats revival project. Photographer Andy Pilsbury and poet Ifor ap Glyn collaborating on documenting Penpont Project for We Feed the UK exhibition.
- PatagoniasecondaryCorporate supporter providing financial support and alignment with environmental values. Patagonia Action Works partnership enabling customer donations.
- LushsecondaryCorporate supporter providing financial contributions to support youth environmental leadership programmes.
- Evolt ChargingsecondaryCorporate supporter providing financial support and aligned messaging around sustainable energy.
- Universal ColourssecondaryCorporate supporter with interview featuring AFC Ambassador Katie. Partnership includes blog content collaboration and financial support.
- WilfulsecondaryCorporate supporter recommending AFC for meaningful environmental sector impact centring young people's voices.
- MewburnsecondaryCorporate supporter providing financial contributions to AFC programmes.
- Wildwood TrustsecondaryHost site for South East Summer Camp reunion activities. Ambassadors conducted biodiversity survey of woodland for Wildwood Trust to inform field guides for future visitors.
- Marine Conservation Society (Youth Ocean Network)secondaryAFC Ambassadors participate in Youth Ocean Network, a branch of Marine Conservation Society for ages 13-25 interested in marine conservation.
- Seed Sovereignty NetworksecondaryNetwork providing heritage oat varieties for Penpont Project's seed sovereignty and biodiversity work.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Action for Conservation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Conservation Volunteers (TCV): UK charity connecting people with nature through volunteer-led practical conservation and green-space training. Highly comparable to AFC in mission, hands-on restoration delivery model, and focus on engaging underrepresented demographics in conservation work.
- Groundwork: UK federation running community-environmental programmes including youth engagement, urban greening, and nature-based projects in disadvantaged areas. Closely comparable in community-led delivery model and youth demographic focus.
- Marine Conservation Society: UK marine conservation charity that runs the Youth Ocean Network (ages 13-25) — explicitly listed as a partner network where AFC Ambassadors participate. Closely comparable in youth-led marine/environmental advocacy and programme structure.
- The Wildlife Trusts: A UK federation of 46 local wildlife trusts delivering nature education, community engagement, and habitat restoration. Directly comparable as the closest national counterpart to AFC's youth-focused nature education and restoration work, with Avon Wildlife Trust already an active AFC partner.
- Avon Wildlife Trust: Local wildlife trust in the Bristol/Bath area that hosts AFC's Green Shoots at Grow Wilder restoration project. Direct operational peer with overlapping restoration and community-education work in the same geography.
Broad incumbents
- National Trust: Largest UK conservation charity, operating heritage and natural sites with extensive education, youth membership (e.g., National Trust Youth), and outdoor learning programmes. Broad incumbent providing a benchmark for scale and programme breadth.
- Woodland Trust: UK-wide woodland conservation charity running school engagement, tree-planting community programmes, and large-scale restoration projects. Comparable on the restoration and youth/school education dimensions, though with a tighter species/habitat focus.
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB): The UK's largest nature conservation charity, running education, youth membership (RSPB Phoenix), and habitat restoration programmes across the country. Broad incumbent in the same space with overlapping youth-engagement and reserve-management missions.
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT): UK wetland conservation charity running wetland centres, school education programmes, and youth engagement initiatives. Comparable on education and habitat restoration but with a narrower habitat focus.
Emerging players
- Earthwatch Europe: Environmental charity focused on citizen science and engaging young people in field-based research and conservation. Emerging-player peer with overlapping youth-led scientific engagement and outdoor learning missions.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Action for Conservation social profiles
Digital presenceAction for Conservation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Action for Conservation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Action for Conservation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Action for Conservation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Action for Conservation
What does Action for Conservation do?
Action for Conservation is a UK charity that delivers free nature education, youth leadership development, and community-led nature restoration programmes for young people aged 12-24. Its offerings include the WildED school education programme, residential Summer Camps, the Ambassador leadership programme, three flagship restoration projects (Penpont, Heartwood, Green Shoots at Grow Wilder), and employment/governance pathways via Youth Rangerships and Youth Trustee roles. All programmes are provided free of charge to participants, funded through donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants from charitable trusts and foundations.
Is Action for Conservation a public or private company?
Action for Conservation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Action for Conservation founded?
Action for Conservation was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Action for Conservation based?
Action for Conservation is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Action for Conservation make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are corporate Sponsorships, trust and Foundation Grants, community Fundraising and legacy Giving.
Who are Action for Conservation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), Groundwork, Marine Conservation Society, The Wildlife Trusts and Avon Wildlife Trust. Broad incumbents are National Trust, Woodland Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). Earthwatch Europe is listed as an emerging player.
Does Action for Conservation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Action for Conservation.
What industry is Action for Conservation in?
Action for Conservation's product category is Environmental Education and Conservation Charity Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAH, Environmental Education & Outreach, with a secondary code of THAAAGAK, Education & Community Programs (Junior Ranger, Citizen Science, School Programs). Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 7900.