Our Origins
“My childhood was dominated by nature. Growing up in rural Suffolk, I spent countless hours exploring fields and woods, tracking deer and catching grass snakes. These days it is hard to imagine a childhood that isn’t dominated by social media, smartphones and games consoles. I credit my happy childhood to this early connection to nature, which fostered a lifelong passion for wildlife, leading me to study Biology at the University of York.
During my studies, I conceived of ‘Project: WILD,’ a YouTube series showcasing the UK’s incredible biodiversity. Whilst much of this content was filmed in the summer of 2016, I had no idea that I would be going into my hardest year yet. The pressures of my final year of university meant the footage had to be shelved. However, my biggest challenge was with my mental health. Issues such as anxiety and depression plague many young people, but at the time I struggled to admit that I was one of them. How could I, with such a happy childhood, be feeling this way? My denial meant I never sought any professional help and this trapped me in a downward spiral, suffering in silence.
During my studies, I conceived of ‘Project: WILD,’ a YouTube series showcasing the UK’s incredible biodiversity. Whilst much of this content was filmed in the summer of 2016, I had no idea that I would be going into my hardest year yet. The pressures of my final year of university meant the footage had to be shelved. However, my biggest challenge was with my mental health. Issues such as anxiety and depression plague many young people, but at the time I struggled to admit that I was one of them. How could I, with such a happy childhood, be feeling this way? My denial meant I never sought any professional help and this trapped me in a downward spiral, suffering in silence.
After graduating, I found myself adrift, still struggling with my mental health. Then, while conducting reptile surveys, I rediscovered the intrinsic links we have with the natural world and the incredible healing power of connecting with it. This realisation inspired me to launch Project: WILD C.I.C., a not-for-profit dedicated to connecting young people with the natural world on their doorsteps.
Through engaging workshops and educational programs, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for our environment while supporting mental well-being. Our mission is to inspire a generation of environmental stewards and empower individuals to find solace and strength in the natural world.”
Nicholas Atherton
Founder
What we offer
Environmental Outreach and Education
Green Skills Training
Ecological Surveys & Green Space Improvement
Bushcraft & WILD Wellbeing
Meet the Team
Nicholas Atherton
Director/Outreach Coordinator
“I started Project: WILD C.I.C. back in 2017 after completing my Bachelors degree in Biology as a way to tackle declining biodiversity and mental health with one approach. I am still very involved in all aspects of the organisation, leading on strategy and project development, whilst putting my knowledge and experience to use as the primary facilitator for all our programmes. If you have a workshop booked with us, it’s probably me you’ll see! When I’m not at work, I’m probably off hiking in some far flung patch of wilderness!”
Paisley Bryce
Project Coordinator
“As Project Coordinator at Project: WILD C.I.C., I provide comprehensive support across the entire project lifecycle. From securing funding through bid writing to overseeing planning, execution, monitoring, and closure, my work directly contributes to Project: WILD C.I.C.’s core mission: fostering community mental health and well-being through nature connection and educating and sustaining local biodiversity through hands-on environmental projects and citizen science. I’m so happy to be in a position to contribute to such amazing work. Plus, hanging out with our office snakes on the daily is my idea of a great time!”
Jessica Gredley
Director/Secretary
“I’ve been in the team from the start and as well as my director duties, I help with the CIC’s resourcing and maintain our various tracking systems. It’s been great watching the business grow over the years and feeling like we’re really making a difference! Outside of my time spent on Project: WILD C.I.C., I enjoy getting out in nature for a long walk (ideally in the snow!), and work as an analyst in the civil service.”
Andrew Firth
Director
“I have been a director at Project: WILD C.I.C. since its inception and have had the pleasure of knowing Nick since childhood. Along with conducting the reptile surveys, I’m involved in the regular planning of the organisation and am able to use my knowledge and experience as a Planning Officer to assist with bid writing and mapping out the organisation’s future development. I am proud to be a part of the Project: WILD team as it seeks to engage more people with the natural world.”
Our Volunteers
Our team of committed, brilliant and generous volunteers are essential to keeping the wheels turning! As a not-for-profit organisation, without volunteer efforts the projects we run, services we deliver, and our ambitions to grow and reach more people would grind to a halt. Volunteers help deliver our projects, design activities, organise environmental surveys and much much more! The one commonality with all our volunteers is a huge love for nature and a passion for improving mental health and wellbeing. If you think you would be an asset to our team, get in touch and see how you can help us inspire a generation of thoughtful conservationists!
Our Funding
Private Supporters
We are incredibly grateful to all individuals that support the work we do and are fortunate to have a couple of generous private benefactors who through regular donations help to support the work we do. Many grant funds are understandably very prescriptive in how we should spend funding, so the support from private donors allows us flexibility to fund projects we may otherwise struggle to deliver. If you would be interested in supporting us please do get in touch.
Grant Funded
Many of our projects are Grant funded so we can provide them freely or subsidised to the community, making them as accessible and inclusive as possible. You can see what projects we are currently running on the projects page.
We have received funding from the following organisations:
Our Partners
We are involved in many community networks, including the Better Connect Partnership, Selby Equity and Advice Network and the Sustainability Partnership. Collaboration is key to successful community work and we have delivered projects with a wide number of different community organisations.
We are proud to say we work with the following organisations:
