Skills

Young people on Exmoor

The former Royal Forest and wider Exmoor is home to wonderful nature and fascinating heritage – but we’re at risk of losing the skills needed to care for this amazing place.

Exmoor Pioneers seeks to nurture and grow local talent to support the development of skills that can sustain the natural and cultural heritage of Exmoor. We will:

Engage in a comprehensive careers education programme in partnership with local mainstream and special schools, providing children from primary through to post-16 opportunities to gain exposure to jobs on the moor, through careers talks, work experience day visits, business projects, teacher development visits, and careers fairs. We will organise a Rural and Heritage Skills Fair to showcase careers that help look after Exmoor.
Run four years of the Young Rangers programme, designed to engage young people with the natural environment. Young people, typically aged between 15 to 18, are recruited through schools with a focus on those who may not usually have access to these opportunities. They are involved in a wide range of conservation, environmental, and engagement work across the National Park. These projects can include habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, trail maintenance, heritage preservation, and educational outreach. Exmoor Young Rangers provide valuable assistance with conservation efforts and the opportunity for young people to learn about the importance of preserving natural environments, heritage, and developing skills.
Expand the number and range of opportunities for young people to take action to look after and explore Exmoor while developing their skills, whether through youth-friendly volunteering, events or training. Young people can sign up for more information using this form.
Provide 10 paid traineeship opportunities of up to 12 months offering learning and work experience, which equip young people with the skills and experience needed to secure employment within local businesses. Interns could be placed with businesses or organisations across Exmoor in areas as varied as woodland management services, conservation building businesses, heritage crafts, or tourism.
Develop the Exmoor Supported Internship programme, a structured, work-based study programme for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), vulnerabilities, or other disadvantage. Interns will be hosted both within Exmoor National Park Authority and with a wide range of other Exmoor-based businesses. For more information on supported internships in general, visit Imagine the Possibilities.
Strengthen opportunities for a wide range of people to develop varied skills through volunteering. Visit our Join Us page to explore volunteering opportunities.