AONB & Geopark Youth Leader Programme 16-24 year olds

AONB & Geopark Youth Leader Programme

If you have a passion for the outdoors and nature conservation, are considering an environmental career, or want to encourage others to responsibly enjoy our precious landscapes; and are 16-24 years old we want to hear from you!

This exciting new youth programme will mainly be delivered within the Ring of Gullion and Strangford and Lecale AONBs. Please see the schedule of activities in the application pack below.

During the programme, which will run from July 2025 until January 2026, you will participate in a range of environmental and nature conservation themed sessions, where you will develop new personal and practical skills, allowing you to become an Environmental Youth Leader and champion for nature. Through the planned activities you will be introduced to a range of natural habitats and meet the people who are committed to protecting them. The skills and qualifications you will gain are transferable, which you will be able to implement in your chosen career.

Thanks to funding from Action Renewables and sponsorship from Landscapes NI this programme is free of charge. All we ask from you is a commitment to attend the whole programme.

Please note when applying, there will be two groups of Youth Leaders, one in each AONB, you are applying to join either the Strangford and Lecale group or the Ring of Gullion group.

For full details read the Application pack and Code of Conduct

Applications for 2025 have now closed. The next cohort will be advertised in early summer 2026.

Participants will receive a Wild Youth Award and AQA in “Facilitating Nature-based activities for wellbeing” delivered by Ulster Wildlife

Discover the amazing wildlife in the Ring of Gullion AONB

Gain qualifications such as Leave no Trace Awareness

Additional Opportunities

By becoming an AONB & Geopark Youth Leader you will also;

• Have the opportunity to be selected to be part of the Landscapes NI Youth Panel, where you will engage with other like-minded young people from across Northern Ireland, sharing experiences and knowledge of your landscape areas. This youth panel aims to empower young people to have a voice and develop leadership skills. Two people from each AONB group will be selected to be part of this amazing opportunity.

• Complete a whopping 100 hours connecting with nature which will mean you will receive the highest Wild Youth Award available, see Wild Youth Awards | Ulster Wildlife for more information. To reach this milestone you will commit to volunteer for nature conservation for approximately another 20 hours. E.g. conducting surveys or litter picks.