Merrell has handed the Youth Hostelling Association (England and Wales) £60,000 to remove barriers preventing young people accessing nature.

The outdoor shoe brand's grant will support the YHA’s residential bursary fund No Child Left Behind and its Outdoor Citizens programme that provides grants to outdoor groups.

A focus of funding will be to “champion equity, diversity and inclusion in the outdoors for everyone”, says the charity. Its Outdoor Citizens programme supports groups such as Muslim Hikers and Black Girls Hike UK.

The donation is for three years and includes support for the YHA’s Festival of Walking event.

“We at Merrell are proud to be able to support such an amazing charity that shares similar values to our own,” said the brand’s social media executive Zoe Gooderham.

“YHA’s amazing work with disadvantaged groups mirrors Merrell’s commitment to breaking down barriers and stereotypes about ‘who’ belongs outdoors.

“Both, Merrell and YHA highlight the mental and physical benefits of time in nature, encouraging diverse communities to connect with the outdoors.”

Each year the YHA’s residential breaks programme supports 1,500 children and their families, many accessing rural areas for the first time.

YHA (England and Wales) chief executive James Blake said: “Since 1930 YHA has been inspiring generations to explore the outdoors, often for the very first time.

“Partnerships like this one with Merrell are vital to ensure we can continue to break down barriers and open up life-changing experiences to even more young people and families.

“We are incredibly grateful for the donation and the support they have pledged to us over the next three years. The money and their support will make a tangible difference in the lives of the people we reach.”

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