AONB & Geopark Youth Ranger Programme
Benefits of the Youth Ranger Programme
The programme provides outdoor learning opportunities and challenges that will help prepare participants, both professionally and personally, for future studies and careers within the environmental sector.
The programme will give you the opportunity to learn:-
- outdoor skills such as navigation and canoeing, whilst exploring the Ring of Gullion and Strangford and Lecale AONBs.
- about how the AONBs formed and its rich biodiversity and heritage.
This is a great opportunity for anyone wishing:-
- to meet new people,
- build confidence,
- contribute to your community,
- keep active and
- gain valuable environmental skills.
New for 2025!
What’s New for 2025!
As part of our ongoing review of our Youth Ranger Programme, and our desire to make it the most beneficial to the participants as possible. We are pleased to announce these new elements to the programme for 2025.
Wild Youth Award
In partnership with Ulster Wildlife, all participants now have the opportunity to gain a Silver Wild Youth Award. This award recognises how individuals connect, learn about or help nature and wildlife. To qualify for this award participants have to have completed ALL five sessions of the Youth Ranger Programme (at least 24 hrs).
Youth Ranger Leaders – Currently in development
Based on feedback from previous Youth Ranger groups there is a strong interest for a progression project. Through the initial five-week programme the participants should have fostered a deep understanding of the beauty and fragility of the habitats found in the AONBs and the UNESCO Global Geopark.
Upon completion of the Youth Ranger Programme in Spring 2025, participants aged 16+ will be given the opportunity to progress to the Green Wild Youth Award (100 hours). Which over the course of a year will be facilitated through training in biodiversity survey skills, conservation volunteering days and citizen science projects within their own homes and gardens.
They could then be invited to set up a Youth Forum, whose voice will be heard in the overall future management of the AONBs and Geopark.
AONB & Geopark Youth Ranger Programme 2025 – Information
Applications are open now for our next Youth Ranger Programme.
Should you require any further information, or need any assistance with the application process please email judith.hassard@nmandd.org
AONB & Geopark Youth Ranger 2024/25 full details
DownloadAONB Youth Ranger Activity Schedule
AONB Youth Ranger Activity Schedule 2025
DownloadYouth Ranger Privacy Notice
Apply
Applications will close on 17th January 2025!
AONB & Geopark Youth Ranger Application Form 2025
Please complete and submit this application form for the AONB and Youth Ranger Programme.
Photo gallery of Youth Ranger Activities 2024
Photo Gallery of Youth Ranger Activities 2023
Photo Gallery of Youth Ranger Activities 2023
Participant Reviews
“I just wanted to say on behalf of our family, thank you so much for allowing our son to take part in the Youth Rangers programme this year. We are especially grateful for your help with transport. He had a great time and he learnt so much. It also helped build up his confidence.”