I first joined Young Rangers in 2018.
Gardening and the outdoors runs in my family and I am no exception: two years on and the thought of clearing and collecting sticks still appeals to me. Between 2018 and last weekend I had been unable to attend Young Rangers due to the awful mix of Covid and University, which mainly consisted of my small uni room and computer. So when my younger sister signed up for a day of meadow conservation, I leapt at the chance.
Even only four hours of hands-on work outside is the perfect cure for Vitamin D deficiency and square eyes; I definitely needed it. Not only that, but chatting with the Rangers and learning about conservation methods provided me with some skills and opportunities that I will use in my Archaeology degree.
I think Young Rangers is especially important for those who don’t have the outdoors running in their family or, like me, no longer breathe enough fresh air. It gives the perfect chance to connect with something other than the Wifi and Zoom calls, which have suddenly become essential to the lives of all ages.
Now more than ever, Young Rangers and conservation opportunities of any kind provide escapism that is needed by all ages. I am very thankful that Young Rangers could give me that.
Want to find out more?
If you would like to come along to any of the meetings, please get in touch with Catherine Kemp, Education & Events Manager, on learning@yorkshiredales.org.uk or 01756 75164. You can follow the Dales Young Rangers on Facebook
The North and West Young Rangers groups are funded by BIG Lottery Fund through the Green Futures partnership programme led by Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. Green Futures aims to empower and support young people in the Yorkshire Dales and the surrounding area to become more involved, aware and connected to the fantastic natural environment that’s right on their doorstep.
Green Futures is part of Our Bright Future, a £33 million programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund and run by a consortium of eight organisations which is led by The Wildlife Trusts. Our Bright Future aims to tackle three big challenges facing society today – a lack of social cohesion, a lack of opportunities for young people and vulnerability to climate change.
The Young Rangers group based in the South of the National Park is being part-funded through Stories in Stone, an ambitious four-year programme of conservation and community projects concentrated on the Ingleborough area developed by the Ingleborough Dales Landscape Partnership. The scheme is led by Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
