Annual AONB and Geopark Youth Ranger Programme

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 or Strangford and Lecale AONBs and the wider environment? Perhaps you would like to work in the environmental conservation field? Then this could be the opportunity for you!

14 to 17 year olds can participate in the Ring of Gullion Landscape and the Strangford and Lecale AONBs and Geopark’s Youth Ranger programme. The programme is free for people aged 14-17 wanting to gain hands-on skills and experience in environmental work. 

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.

How to apply

So before the places are gone, please apply today, by downloading and submitting your application pack.

Deadline for applying is the 26th January 2024.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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

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, and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council.