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Youth Rangers at Gibside

@ Gibside

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Youngsters are being offered the chance to develop their practical skills and their understanding about the great outdoors through a new group at the National Trust’s Gibside.

The Youth Rangers, which is part of the Green Academies Project (GAP), is aimed at 11-16 year olds and will start on Saturday 29 September. The group will meet fortnightly at the eighteenth-century landscaped garden and cover a range of conservation topics.

David Carver, GAP Coordinator at Gibside, said, “The youth ranger group is a fantastic opportunity for those who would like a career in the outdoors or heritage sector and need to build up their skills, as well as for those who enjoy the outdoors and meeting new people. We can provide safe surroundings and the tools for young people to learn about environmental conservation and wildlife. There’s no better place to do that than Gibside and we’re looking forward to working with youngsters from the local community.”

During the five free sessions planned during September to November, the young rangers will get involved with the removal of invasive species, vegetation cutting and clearing, making bat and bird boxes, creating wildlife habitats, tree planting, gardening, weeding and hedge-cutting. There will also be opportunities to try something different on taster sessions offered, including animal tracking and tree identification.

Gibside is one of six National Trust properties participating in the Green Academies Project (GAP), part of the Our Bright Future programme. The project aims to encourage and enthuse young people, aged 11-24, to become passionate about the environment and provides opportunities and skills in horticulture and habitat management to help conserve and enhance their local green spaces.

The Youth Rangers will meet on Saturdays 29 September, 13 and 27 October, 10 and 24 November, 10am-1pm. Places are limited and need to be booked in advance: ring 01207 541824 or e-mail gibside@nationaltrust.org.uk

Gibside is open every day 10am-6pm, until 31 October when opening times change to 10am-4pm.

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