Youth Ranger Programme 14-17 year olds
AONB & Geopark Youth Ranger Programme
AONB & Geopark Youth Ranger Programme
NOW OPEN FOR 2026!
Are you aged between 14 and 17? Would you like the opportunity to learn outdoor adventure and practical conservation skills? Do you have a passion for the Ring of Gullion, Strangford and Lecale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) or the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark ? Perhaps you would like to work in the environmental conservation field? Then this could be the opportunity for you!
14 to 17 year olds are invited to participate in the AONB & Geopark Youth Ranger programme. The Programme will run for five days in each of the AONBs.
The programme will give you the opportunity to learn outdoor skills such as navigation and canoeing, whilst exploring the areas; learning about how these landscapes were formed and their rich biodiversity and heritage. Importantly, it’s an opportunity for you to learn practical conservation skills and contribute to the environmental management of the area; all while having fun and meeting new like minded people.
Some past Youth Rangers had these comments to make about the programme:
“It was very educational and fun and helped me learn how to help the environment more.”
“Great for CV, thanks”
“It was brilliant fun and I would definitely come back and recommend it!”
The programme is part funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency through the Carrier Bag Levy; and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council.
For further details please download the information pack below.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Applications now closed!
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.
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).
Feedback from Previous Participants
“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.” Youth Ranger 2024
“Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the Youth Rangers programme. I can’t tell you how much my daughter, has enjoyed it. She has learned so much, made great new friends and had so much opportunity to get out into the fresh air and nature to appreciate our AONB. She said to me that she didn’t realise how much there is to do and all the places we have. Really appreciate all the work that goes into it – thank you so much for giving her this opportunity.” Youth Ranger 2025
“Just to say a big thank you for all the fun and adventures on the Youth Rangers programme, my son really enjoyed every aspect of it. A fantastic opportunity for our young people, much appreciated!” Youth Ranger 2025
“Just to say a massive thank you for taking my son under your wing and allowing him to explore and develop his love for the outdoors. He loved every minute of the youth rangers experience.” Youth Ranger 2025
Important Information
Photo Gallery of Youth Ranger Activities 2026
Photo Gallery of Youth Ranger Activities 2025
Photo Gallery of Youth Ranger Activities 2024
Photo gallery of Youth Ranger Activities 2024
Photo Gallery of Youth Ranger Activities 2023
Photo Gallery of Youth Ranger Activities 2023
