AONB and Geopark 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.

“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

“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 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 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

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.

Applications are now closed for our Youth Ranger Programme. Watch this space for our next registration opening.!

Should you require any further information, or need any assistance with the application process please email [email protected]

If you would like an idea of what the Youth Rangers did in the past, check out our photo galleries for 2016 and 2017 .

Acceptance of the following will be confirmed during the application process.