A national programme brings people seeking asylum and refugees together with local residents and environmental organisations through conservation volunteering. Activities include habitat restoration, invasive-plant removal, tree planting, beach cleaning, community gardening and food growing. The programme seeks simultaneously to support nature recovery, reduce isolation, develop participants’ confidence and skills, strengthen community cohesion and improve public perceptions of people seeking asylum.
Action Asylum – Refugee-Led Environmental Volunteering and Nature Recovery
A UK volunteering programme unites asylum seekers, refugees and local communities in hands-on nature restoration, building belonging and biodiversity together.
Transformation
Operating across the personal and practical spheres, with growing political potential, it connects refugee-support and environmental organisations. Joint conservation activities reposition asylum seekers as environmental contributors and leaders, while sustained contact challenges hostile narratives. Scaling the model could foster more inclusive practices across the conservation sector.
Equity
The programme creates opportunities for people who face restrictions on employment, social isolation and exclusion from public life. It supports recognition, belonging, mental wellbeing, confidence, skills, English-language practice and connections with local communities. The programme aims to create leadership pathways and help environmental organisations become more inclusive.
Biodiversity
Activities include removing invasive Himalayan balsam, restoring riverbanks and coastal habitats, planting trees and maintaining community green spaces. The programme reports planting 18,500 trees.
