Ment4, an organisation founded by Still Shadey, provides mentorship to young people in and around Croydon who face emotional and behavioural challenges. Residentials like this give participants a valuable opportunity to step away from home, learn new skills, forge connections, and build confidence.

On the first day, the group settled into log cabins at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development. They then attended a knife skills workshop, where they used locally sourced hazel to craft kazoos. Preparations for exploring nature followed, with a walk that introduced them to the rich wildlife of the Surrey Hills, including nightingales, butterflies and the hazel dormouse. The day concluded with a reflective session around a fire pit.

The second day included confidence and communication-building activities like climbing and archery. Wrapping up the experience, the group rehearsed a musical piece that Still Shadey had been preparing for an upcoming show.

This memorable experience highlighted the power of nature, music, and mentorship in helping young people grow and thrive.

The time in nature really resonated with the young people. They said:

“I really enjoyed it, because it was a break from busy Croydon and it’s very calm and peaceful here.”

“I feel like I don’t need to be inside Croydon or London. I can do new things outside of my area. And because here, there’s not much internet I can do more things, I don’t always have to be using my phone, I can find new things to do.”

Over 400 young people from Croydon, Dorking, Guildford and Woking will spend time in Surrey Hills National Landscape as part of the Generation Green project on residentials, days visits and farm visits.

Emma Cole, Communications Lead for Surrey Hills National Landscape said:

"We are thrilled to be part of the Generation Green programme, providing meaningful residential experiences for inspiring young groups like the Ment4 community. Engaging young people in this way is vital for safeguarding the future of our cherished landscapes. We hope participants leave the Surrey Hills not only with a sense of safety and confidence in exploring the outdoors but also with a lasting connection and commitment to protecting these beautiful spaces for generations to come."

Generation Green 2 is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of its ongoing support of access to nature. It is being delivered by a coalition of 24 organisations and authorities. By the end of the project, more than 41,000 day and night experiences will be delivered. National Landscapes in Blackdown Hills, Cornwall, Cotswolds, Mendip Hills, North Pennines, Northumberland Coast, Shropshire Hills and Surrey Hills are all taking part.