It’s Great Outdoors opens doors to the countryside for 13 to 19 year olds in Bedfordshire. It encourages young people’s participation in a range of activities, and finds appropriate placements for them in voluntary conservation work.

In doing this, It’s Great Outdoors aims to:

• Increase use and enjoyment of the countryside, improving the quality of life for young people, particularly those who are most disadvantaged
• Improve mental and physical health by promoting the use of the countryside for exercise, activity and enjoyment
• Strengthen social networks by encouraging communities to work in partnership on countryside projects, and by organising local events and activities targeted at community groups and young people
• Deliver high quality environmental projects for the benefit of the whole community

Participation in It’s Great Outdoors can lead to an ASDAN Activities Award, which acknowledges individual achievement as well as giving the learner credits towards more extensive qualifications. To receive an ASDAN accreditation, young people must provide evidence (usually photographic) of having completing two activities with it’s Great Outdoors, ranging from conservation activity to involvement in a community project.

It’s Great Outdoors is a joint venture between the Greensand Trust, the BRCC, the Forest of Marston Vale, Groundwork, Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council.