Young people across Wiltshire have the chance to receive a share of £20,000 to support projects fighting climate change.

The Woodland Trust has opened applications for its youth innovation competition, now in its third year.

The competition offers young people the chance to launch environmental projects, backed by funding and mentorship from the UK's largest woodland conservation charity.

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

Six individuals or small groups, aged between 16 and 25, will each win up to £6,000, along with mentorship from leading industry experts.

One previous winner, Moiz Siddiqi, used his prize to launch his business, Me-eco, a seeded paper product.

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

He added: "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.

“It allowed Project Me-eco to develop from a basic concept to a fully-fledged start-up business with the foundation it needed."

Me-eco allows people to write down their worries on seeded paper, plant it, and watch it grow.

Mr Siddiqi said: "Project Me-eco is a gateway solution to the climate crisis and mental health crisis. It’s rebranding mental health and nature to make it truly accessible for all by using our innovative Me-eco box to support individuals, communities, and organisations to look after themselves, and their environment.”

The top 18 applications will be invited to participate in workshops on how to professionally pitch their project idea.

The finalists will then 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.