A year after it started, a Lake District young conservation group for 14 to 18 year-olds is looking for more volunteers to help with environmental work in the National Park.
© LDNPA
The Lake District National Park Authority is seeking new recruits to experience the work of a national park ranger. "Young Rangers" meet once a month for a day of practical conservation work, learning about rangers' work while meeting other people with an interest in conservation.
The Young Rangers scheme, sponsored by water company United Utilities, provides volunteers with basic equipment; they just need to bring along waterproofs, sturdy footwear and a willingness to get wet and muddy. Young Rangers also need to have enthusiasm for the Lake District and a commitment to attend regularly for a year.
The first batch are now coming to the end of 12 months which have seen them helping to repair footpaths, clearing invasive species and removing litter from lake and sea shores. Some have achieved a John Muir Award in recognition of their environmental efforts.
Ruth Kirk, who co-leads the Young Rangers said:
'We've had a fantastic first year with some really enthusiastic young people. Now some of them are going off to university and we have some places available for new recruits.'
United Utilities northern catchment manager Paul Phillips added:
'Rangers do a great job for the environment and, as the custodians of 16,000 hectares of land in the Lake District ourselves, I know we would never be without ours. This is a great chance for young people with a thirst for the countryside to get involved and learn new skills. We're glad to be a part of it.'
A taster day is being held at Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre on the shores of Windermere, Saturday 6 October 10-15:00. For more info contact Ruth Kirk by email or tel 07851 721711
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