Green careers skills day 2024
In July 2024, we saw organisations, charities and businesses involved in managing the Lake District National Park and World Heritage Site through green practices come together to feature as part of the Green Careers and Skills Day.
The purpose of the day was to inspire young people and celebrate some of the amazing work being done to protect and care for our natural environment.
Set against the backdrop of Brockhole, the day showcased a wide range of sustainable green practices, from nature recovery and climate action to historic building restoration and farming in protected landscapes.
The Park welcomed Forest Holidays and Farming in Protected Landscapes, as supporters of the event, showcasing the vital roles these organisations play in shaping a greener future for the Lake District National Park.
Inspiration for a green career
The Green Careers and Skills Day aimed to inspire the next generation of young people to stay in Cumbria and consider a career that will help to secure the sustainable future of our National Park and protected landscapes.
Key Stage 3 pupils from local schools took part in a range of activities including practical conservation skills, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities.
Pupils described the experience as inspiring and insightful.
“I didn’t know there was so much training available and how varied the job opportunities are.”
“It was very interesting and helped me to pick my future and showed me lots of opportunities to go for.”
Green Careers and Skills Day collaboration
Organisations, charities and businesses involved in managing the Lake District National Park and World Heritage Site through green practices were welcomed to Brockhole on Windermere to feature as part of the Green Careers and Skills Day.
The event, supported by Forest Holidays, Farming in Protected Landscapes and Amex, showcased to local young people the wealth of organisations that are driving the work on the ground in the county for nature recovery, climate action and carbon reduction, sustainable/green technologies and practices, restoration of the historic built environment and farming in protected landscapes.
The success of the event was made possible through collaboration with organisations, charities, and businesses dedicated to managing the Lake District National Park and World Heritage Site sustainably.
Find listings and contact details for all the organisations and businesses that took part in the event at the bottom of this page.
Get in touch
Green Careers and Skills Day 2024 was an inspiring step forward, helping young people imagine a future where they can make a real difference in protecting our environment.
Could you see yourself in a green career? Let’s build a sustainable future together.
For teacher and student enquiries, please contact BrockholeLearning@lakedistrict.gov.uk
The Green Careers skills day showcased the work of:
Land management for biodiversity and beekeeping
Contact: benjamin.keayes@googlemail.com
Traditional woodland management and crafts
Website: www.coppicecoop.co.uk
Contact: info@coppicecoop.co.uk
Cumbria Action for Sustainability is the county’s climate change charity with a vision for a zero-carbon Cumbria. They promote and facilitate low-carbon living and its benefits by inspiring and supporting individuals, communities, and organisations across Cumbria and beyond to decarbonise lives and businesses by 2037 or sooner.
Website: Jobs & Contracts – climate change jobs in Cumbria
Contact: office@cafs.org.uk
Cumbria Wildlife Trust restore and connect wild places, work with nature to tackle the climate emergency and support people to take local action for wildlife.
Ecological Building Systems’ ethos is to achieve ‘Better Building’ by adopting a ‘Fabric First’ approach to design, with the use of more natural materials to optimise building performance and durability. They support the construction sector in the creation of a better-built environment through the supply of innovative, sustainable, ecological building materials and solutions and deliver quality, affordable products and training.
Website: www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com
Eden Hot Lime Mortar was formed in 2001 to provide and promote the use of Hot mixed Lime Mortars, operating predominantly in the North of England but many areas of England, Scotland and Wales. Eden Hot Lime Mortar now retails, promotes and trains builders and homeowners in the restoration of properties.
Website: www.edenhotlimemortar.co.uk
Contact: info@edenhotlimemortar.co.uk 07717 400233
The Environment Agency works to create better places for people and wildlife and supports sustainable development. Since 1996 it has worked to protect and improve the environment through regulating major industry and waste treatment of contaminated land, improving; water quality, fisheries, inland rivers, estuary and harbour navigations, and supporting conservation and ecology. It also responds to incidents, including flooding and pollution.
Website: Protect our world – Environment Agency (environmentagencycareers.co.uk)
The Ernest Cook Trust sims to share its love and understanding of the countryside to enable a deeper affinity with the natural world. From Apprenticeship to skills certification, they provide young people with the skills and experiences they need for a career in the outdoors, particularly those who prefer to learn away from the traditional classroom.
Website: The Ernest Cook Trust
Contact: learning@ernestcooktrust.org.uk
Rangers and volunteers who undertake path repair work in the Lake District Mountains
Website: www.fixthefells.co.uk
Contact: info@fixthefells.co.uk
Forestry England manages more land and trees than any other organisation in England through its forestry management and is the largest supplier of homegrown, sustainable timber in England.
Contact: enquiries@forestryengland.uk
Further and higher education provider encompassing a massive variety of subjects and qualifications including degree level, apprenticeships, T-Levels, A-Levels, extended diplomas and more.
Website : https://kendal.ac.uk
Website https://www.lcwc.ac.uk/
Conservation and restoration of traditionally built buildings throughout Cumbria. Lime plaster, Lime render, Limecrete floors
Website: www.lakedistrictlime.com
LANSS focus is to highlight the opportunities for training and careers in the land and nature sector in Cumbria.
Website: www.lanss.uk
Contact: office@lanss.uk 01539 430357
Myerscough offers a wide range of land-based and sports courses for school leavers; with centres in Preston and Penrith and apprenticeship opportunities throughout Cumbria.
Website: www.myerscough.ac.uk
As Europe’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust look after nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy, with the help of millions of members, volunteers, staff and donors. They protect and care for the miles of coastline, woodlands, countryside and the hundreds of historic buildings, gardens and precious collections.
For volunteering:
The LIFE R4ever Kent project is a 5 year partnership between Natural England, South Cumbria Rivers Trust, Freshwater Biological Association and Environment Agency. Together they are working to improve the condition of the River Kent and Tributaries protected site in South Cumbria including river restoration, engaging with land managers, managing invasive species, trialing new monitoring techniques and reinforcing the native endangered Freshwater Pearl Mussel population that lives there.
Website: www.r4everkent.co.uk
Contact: hello@r4everkent.co.uk
Dry Stone Walling, both contemporary and heritage. New walls and repair and rebuilds.
Website: www.samrobinsondrystonewalling.com
South Cumbria Rivers Trust is a small charity dedicated to conserving and protecting the freshwater environments of South Cumbria. They carry out conservation activities across their catchment areas, compromising of 2300 km of watercourse and 28km2 of still water and all catchments that drain off the Lake District fells into Morecambe Bay.
They work in partnership with a range of organisations and carry out various practical interventions, such as river restoration, habitat improvement works and invasive species control. They carry out monitoring, educational and engagement activities to help advance understanding of our aquatic environments.
Website: https://scrt.co.uk/
“We keep the taps flowing and toilets flushing for customers in the Northwest. As a responsible business we care about delivering great customer service, protecting and enhancing the environment, contributing to our communities, and making sure we’re investing in the region to support future growth, address climate change and work in partnership to improve river health.”
Website: Careers | United Utilities – Corporate
Contact: uujobs@uuplc.co.uk
Institute of Science and Environment
The University of Cumbria is a Higher Education provider with a mission to support the skills needs of Cumbria and to raise aspirations to study at HE level. We provide degree and apprenticeships opportunities in a wide range of subjects.
The Institute of Science and Environment is home to our Forestry, Conservation, Geography, Outdoor studies and Zoology provision.
Website : https://www.cumbria.ac.uk
Conservation organisation with charitable status. Project officers work to improve rivers and waterways in West Cumbria.
The Walkmill Woodland team cover all aspects of countryside management within community accessible locations to improve natural areas for wildlife and people.
Website: www.westcumbriariverstrust.org
Contact: info@westcumbriariverstrust.org
“Westmorland and Furness Council is proud to serve one of the most beautiful regions in the UK. Our employees are at the heart of delivering our wide range of services to these communities. Whether you’re interested in policymaking, administration, planning, or environmental careers, there’s a role for you.”
Website: Our council | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Contact: recruitment@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 0300 3733305
Community Interest Company established by local farmers working with farmers in the West Lakeland area and a range of government and private institutions to support and promote sustainable farming and conservation practices.
Website: www.westlakelandcic.co.uk
YAM Architects, based in the heart of Penrith Town Centre, provides a full range of architectural services, combining creativity with a client-focused approach. They specialise in creating innovative, sustainable and personalised designs that are carefully tailored to meet the distinct needs of each project. With a strong commitment to translating people’s visions into reality, YAM Architects ensures that every design reflects the unique character, aspirations, and functionality required to bring projects to life.
Website: https://yamarchitects.co.uk/
Contact: home@yamarchitects.co.uk
