Recent report from Sustainable Development Commission 
http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/ - "The Government’s independent watchdog on sustainable development" - 28/10/2010:

*Improving Young People’s Lives: The role of the environment in building resilience, responsibility and employment chances*

http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/publications.php?id=1113

This report proposes a green thread through policy
and practice, where the impact of the environment is
considered alongside social and economic factors – the
building blocks of sustainable development. To date, this
has been the missing element in most policy making for
young people, and is only sporadically evident in local
delivery. It demonstrates how taking this broader approach
can improve outcomes for young people, whilst supporting
the Government's aims for a Big Society and being the
'greenest Government ever'.

Download report: http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/publications/downloads/SDC_IYPL_report.pdf


Summary from Department of Education, UK Government - The Research Informed Practice Site (TRIPS): 

This report aimed to identify how supporting sustainable development
could be used to improve the outcomes in life for young people in the
areas of education, employability as well as health and behaviour. The
study was based on a review of international research as well as case
study examples of good practice drawn from local authorities.


Key findings from the report:

Active travel including walking and cycling to and from school has been
found to improve both physical and mental health, while harnessing green
spaces for exercise has helped to reduce young people’s levels of
obesity as well as their mental health.

Outdoor learning or environmental therapeutic programmes such as Forest
Schools have been effective in engaging and rehabilitating disaffected
young people. NEETs  [young people Not in Education, Employment or Training]
who have participated in the Groundwork ‘Dig It’
programme have be shown to have developed greater confidence, motivation
and leadership skills as well as gaining an educational qualification.

Involving young people in outdoor activities at school such as gardening
and tree planting has been found to improve their attention to learning,
their attainment as well as their social behaviour.

Encouraging young people to participate in environmental action and
volunteering has helped to develop their sense of self-worth as well as
a sense of respect and responsibility.

Using environmental activities as a preventative measure has been shown
to contribute to young people’s learning and qualifications as well as
tackling negative behaviour and raising  aspirations.


SDC Education, Young People and Skills - http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/pages/education.html includes:

"Every Child's Future Matters"
http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/publications.php?id=578

Every Child Matters (ECM) aims to improve the daily experiences of all young people in England - from birth to nineteen - focusing on their wellbeing, personal development and future prosperity. This paper explores the influence of the environment on children's wellbeing and is written for everyone designing and delivering services that impact on children's lives.

This revised version (April 2010) includes updated resource lists and new government policy supporting improvements to the places children live, learn and play.


"Sustainable development is even more important in a time of austerity" – SDC
20 October 2010
http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/news.php/388/main/sustainable-development-is-even-more-important-in-a-time-of-austerity-a-sdc

NB SDC set to have funding withdrawn next financial year
http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/news.php?id=365