Our Bay, Our Future (OBOF) Project 

More than 5000 local young people are set to gain access to new climate action projects designed to grow the skills needed to care for Morecambe Bay and secure local ‘green jobs’, thanks to a £1.5 million grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Thanks to National Lottery players, Lancaster University, Lancaster & Morecambe College, the University of Cumbria and Morecambe Bay Partnership will launch the new ‘Our Bay Our Future’ (OBOF) project.

This exciting new project is starting summer 2026 and will offer students from across the Morecambe Bay area the opportunity to take part in a range of climate action activities which will enhance their knowledge of local and global environmental issues and help build skills essential for their future careers.

Set against the ‘Green Energy Coast’ backdrop of Morecambe Bay, which will see Lancashire and Cumbria projected to have the most ‘green jobs’ outside of London by 2050, the OBOF project will:

• Mobilise action, helping care for Morecambe Bay, one of the most biodiverse places in the country, in addressing the effects of climate change
• Develop green skills, knowledge and values, ahead of significant regional green investment
• Grow a cross-bay network of Climate Action Leaders, sustaining long-term regional climate action

We are delivering 2 programmes for young adults (16+); Green Passport and Green Leaders.

Green Passport:  

What is it? 
This 3-day programme is based around the interests and career choices of participants and covers a broad range of topics such as:

• fast fashion
• digital footprint
• sustainable tourism
• biodiversity
• sustainable
• food production 

You will meet employers and organisations, and develop a project linked to a subject you are passionate about.

The HE programme is 2 days  and will be held at Lancaster University.

Who is it for?  
6th form pupils, college and university students, or community groups from across the Morecambe Bay area, extending to Preston, Fleetwood, Barrow, Blackpool, and Myerscough, who want to develop awareness of sustainability and future careers.

When and where? 
We have 3 start dates each academic year;

• October
• January  
• April

Sessions will take place at LMC and Lancaster University campus’

What Does it Cost? 
The programme is fully-funded, with transport costs and lunch included

Interested?

Complete this short form and we will be in touch with more details.

Our Bay, Our Future form

Green Leaders:

What is it? 
This 6-month, intensive programme will empower young adults to develop their own fully-funded climate action project in response to a local problem. You will attend a 3-day residential to build confidence and knowledge, meet local groups and employers and be mentored by a Green Action facilitator from Lancaster University who will support you to plan and deliver a relevant project (£500 funding is available for each participant)

Who Is It For? 
If you are aged 16 and over and have already completed an OBOF programme, or you have existing knowledge and/or experience of local environmental issues or sustainability, this would be a great opportunity for you to develop leadership skills and more in-depth understanding of climate action.

When and where? 
It will run from January-June each academic year. You will attend an initial delivery day in January visit local projects in February and meet employers and a 3-day residential in March. The rest of the time you will be working with your mentor to research, plan and deliver your climate action project.

What Does it Cost? 
The programme is fully-funded, and participants will receive up to £500 to turn their ideas into a project.

Interested? 

Complete this short form and we will be in touch with more details.

Our Bay, Our Future form

Past participants have said the following about the project:

"My chosen career is very wasteful; I learned how it can be more sustainable"

"Learning this was very important to me - I now have more hope for my own, and future, generations"

"I enjoyed meeting the people from the different businesses and learning what they do"

"It was a great opportunity to learn about climate change with people my age"

"I loved that it is about Morecambe - the place where we live!"