The Lake District National Park Authority has recruited four apprentices to join its ranger teams.
Jed Porter and Ant Murray have joined the Central Ranger team. Jed is following in his dad’s footsteps as he is a field ranger with the Lake District National Park and has worked on many major projects.
Ulverston-based Jed said: “I’ve grown up helping my dad out, and I decided that I’d love to follow in my dad’s footsteps. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the natural environment and improving on my dry stone walling skills.”
The pandemic gave Ant an opportunity to re-evaluate his career path.
After running pubs for over a decade he decided to move to Penrith and give something back to nature.
He said: “Like a lot of people I decided I wanted to move to a place I loved and do something worthwhile and was important for the environment as climate change is a real concern of mine.
“So far I’ve enjoyed speaking with the public and letting them know how they can help us look after the Lake District.”
Jake Wood is now working with the Southern team after his course at college was cancelled due to the pandemic. Coming from a farming background, Jake can’t wait to expand his skillset and learn the ropes of becoming a ranger.
Jack Aberley from Lancashire is working with the northern team. A joiner by trade, Jack decided he wanted to put his skills to a more ecological use and has enjoyed bridge repairs and installing signposts and waymarkers so far.
The newest recruits are starting their level two countryside worker apprenticeship which lasts 12 to 18 months and includes six weeks at a college in York.
