Young people are being given the chance to win part of a £20,000 prize pot for their environmental projects.

The Woodland Trust has announced that applications are now open for its annual youth innovation competition, which is in its third year.

The competition is open to individuals or small groups aged between 16 and 25 and aims to support projects that tackle climate change.

Winners will receive funding and mentorship from the UK's largest woodland conservation charity.

Six winners will be selected to receive up to £6,000 each, as well as mentorship from industry experts, to help them deliver their projects.

The Woodland Trust hopes to inspire young people to take action against the climate crisis.

Previous winners have included a clothes upcycling workshop, a campaign to protect ancient trees, and wildlife photography exhibitions.

Moiz Siddiqi, a previous winner, used the funding to launch his business, Me-eco.

Mr Siddiqi said: "Winning the Woodland Trust’s prestigious Igniting Innovation competition has been genuinely life-changing.

"It’s that first major step in taking a risk with an idea, and working to bring it to life, except with this risk, you’re supported and backed by the Woodland Trust, their youth team, and amazing mentors."

Project Me-eco is a mindfulness-based seeded paper product, which enables people to write down their worries on seeded paper, plant it, and watch it grow alongside their own wellbeing.

The top 18 applications will be invited to take part in workshops that will teach them how to professionally pitch their project idea.

The finalists will go on to present their environmental innovations to a panel of celebrity judges and experts.

Grace Howourth, head of youth reimagined at the Woodland Trust, said: "We need more young people to become advocates for woods and trees and we are excited to be able to open this opportunity again to help fund important projects which will directly address the climate and nature crisis.

"You don’t have to be from an experienced environmental or conservation background or have academic qualifications to enter, as we are looking for people from all backgrounds and walks of life to enter with a great idea that can impact woods, wildlife, and people."

Applications are now open and will close on Monday, January 20, 2025.

For more information on how to apply, please visit the Woodland Trust website or email youth@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK.

It aims to create, protect, and restore native woodland, and inspire people to enjoy and value the natural world.