Traineeships launched for young people on Exmoor

The programme, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and a legacy to CareMoor for Exmoor, offers paid traineeships aimed at 18-25-year-olds - hosted by ENPA and local employers. Recruitment is now live for the following new traineeship opportunities:

• A Woodland Trainee based with Three Atop Woodland Services in Simonsbath. This role will work across a wide range of practical activities, including forestry, tree felling, fencing, and milling in a sawmill. The closing date for applications is Friday 6 March. For more information on the role, visit ‘threeatop’ on Instagram and Facebook or email kerrie@threeatop.co.uk
• An Engagement trainee based with Exmoor National Park Authority. This trainee will assist with engagement events and activities and communications. The closing date for applications is Monday 2 March. For more information, visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enpa/working-with-us

Philippa Hill is Coordinator of the Exmoor Pioneers programme with ENPA. She said: “Enthusiasm,not qualifications, here is key. People are critical to caring for this beautiful landscapes, heritage, and nature that make Exmoor so special, but we’re facing a twin challenge. Exmoor has a growing skills gap in certain roles, critical to caring for the landscape, while at the same time young people are struggling to land jobs in their chosen careers. Last year, we welcomed Henri at Three Atop Woodland Services learning forestry and woodland management skills, and Logan as an Apprentice Ranger within the Exmoor National Park team.”

Logan has been involved in a wide range of work across Exmoor, including supporting Young Rangers activities, footpath paring, leading engagement events (such as family rockpooling), pine marten tracking, and archaeological investigations.

Logan said: “I can’t put into words how much I’ve enjoyed being an Apprentice Ranger. I’ve had so many cool opportunities to visit other sites, workers and local people within the park, and take in all their unique knowledge and experiences. As well as the coolest Ranger team in the world, assisting me whenever I need and getting involved in everything from wildlife monitoring to rights of way improvements. I’ve wanted a role like this since watching the likes of Steve Backshall on TV when I was little and I’m hoping the practical skills and qualifications I’ve gained will really help in finding another job on Exmoor or in the Conservation sector.

Philippa continued: “In 2026 we aim to recruit four more trainees. Some of these will be based within ENPA, supporting work in our woodlands and conserving heritage. Others will be based within traditional construction and craft industries such as blacksmithing, dry-stone walling, or traditional plastering. We will also have further trainee recruitments launched in 2027. Young people are critical to creating a future where we have the skills needed to care for Exmoor. Paid, entry level roles with meaningful training remove barriers, open doors, and give young people a fair start. Our paid traineeships are one element of a wider skills programme, including careers education, our Young Rangers scheme, volunteering opportunities, and supported internships. Together, these initiatives help young people gain confidence, build experience, and see a future for themselves on Exmoor.”

To learn more, visit: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/exmoor-pioneers-project

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About the Exmoor Pioneers programme

Exmoor Pioneers is a four-year programme that seeks to connect people to the natural and cultural heritage of the former Royal Forest in the heart of Exmoor, support nature recovery, protect heritage at risk, and develop the skills needed to support this landscape in the future. Exmoor Pioneers is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional funding from a generous legacy from the late Cynthia Hadley to CareMoor for Exmoor and support from BMW, Historic England, Defra, National Parks England, and the Forestry Commission.

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.

Over the next ten years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.

We help protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.

We are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund www.heritagefund.org.uk