New Forest gets Government funding to 'inspire next generation'
The National Park Authority is among authorities sharing over ÂŁ2.5 million
The money's come in from the Government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund, to a 'coalition' made up of YHA (England and Wales), The Outward Bound Trust, Scouts, Girlguiding, Field Studies Council and the 10 English National Parks.
It'll go towards the 'Generation Green Project', which aims to encourage young people, especially from BAME or disadvantaged backgrounds to get involved in outdoor education and conservation.
The New Forest National Park Authority will be putting their portion towards employing a project officer, supporting youth activities and two apprentice rangers, starting work in March 2021.
Helen Robinson, Lead Education and Youth Officer for the NPA, said:
"The newly appointed project officer will seek to bridge a connection to nature and sense of place for young people in local communities by creating public nature sites in residential areas both inside and outside the boundary of the National Park. It is vitally important that young people have access to nature, many of whom faced lockdown without gardens or access to green spaces.
"Using our strong connections with parish and town councils and involving young people in the design and creation of these spaces, our aim is to enable more young people than ever before to access, enjoy and learn about the special qualities of our National Park."
Gillie Molland, the NPA's Lead Ranger, said the Authority and partners had already trained six apprentice rangers:
"We are thrilled to be extending the successful apprentice rangers scheme working together with Forestry England, National Trust, Hampshire County Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust we will offer two Environmental Conservation paid apprenticeships. RSPB will also join the scheme. This will give the successful candidates practical experience of how these organisations work together in the New Forest and open up opportunities for careers in nature."