The Woodland Trust has opened applications for its £20,000 youth innovation competition.

The contest, now in its third year, invites young people to submit projects aimed at tackling climate change.

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

Previous winners have launched initiatives such as 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 receive up to £6,000 in project funding and expert mentorship.

Moiz Siddiqi, a previous winner, said winning the competition was "genuinely life-changing."

His project, Me-eco, a mindfulness-based seeded paper product, was turned into a successful start-up with the help of the competition.

He said: "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."

Grace Howourth, head of youth reimagined at the Woodland Trust, said: "We need more young people to become advocates for woods and trees."

Applications are open until January 20, 2025.

For more information, visit the Woodland Trust website or email youth@woodlandtrust.org.uk.