BTCV, the world's largest environmental volunteering charity, has welcomed the commitment from the Conservative Party for a National Citizen Service.

Each year BTCV supports over 30,000 young people in practical environmental tasks that improve local places.

We know from our own experience that young people from all backgrounds are willing to be involved in hands on projects that bring benefit for their local community.

One example is that climate change is among the top five global concerns of young people, and poor environment is one of their top five local concerns.

But they often do not know how to get involved and do not feel they have anything to offer.

BTCV has extensive experience in running large-scale programmes that enable young people to take meaningful action on the issues that are important to them.

As a citizenship service, the programme's outdoor activities must be purposeful and bring benefit to local communities.

BTCV's chief executive Tom Flood said: "The introduction of a national youth citizenship programme would play a critical part of the recovery process for the UK.

"For BTCV, active citizenship is working within your community and with others to improve the places where you work, live or play."

A copy of BTCV's Manifesto and position papers can be downloaded here: http://www2.btcv.org.uk/display/manifesto2010

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