19 December 2024
A group of Young Rangers, aged between 14 to 18 years, spent the day working with Isaac Johnston, Thirlmere Resilience Project Officer for the John Muir Trust on a patch of woodland overlooking Thirlmere.
Following the damage caused by Storm Desmond in December 2015, landowners United Utilities have partnered with the John Muir Trust and other local organisations to help protect the water supply of the reservoir whilst also bringing benefits to nature and communities. As part of this, the aim is to slow the flow by nurturing native woodlands which in turn improves biodiversity and water quality in the area.
The Young Rangers were tasked with removing non-native conifers and larch trees using saws and loppers. They also removed several sacks full of old plastic tree guards from trees that had previously been planted, enabling them to breathe outside of the guards and thrive without being dominated by the non-native trees.
Despite the low cloud and blustery forecast, Isaac was really pleased with how many trees the team cleared. The Young Rangers seemed to enjoy all the sawing and it was satisfying to see the progress from the last time Young Rangers were there in November 2023.
Our Young Rangers programme offers a unique opportunity for young people aged 14 to 18 years to get involved in practical conservation volunteering.
Young Rangers activities take place every month on a Sunday and are led by experienced Rangers from several partner organisations including the National Trust, Fix the Fells, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, West Cumbria Rivers Trust and the John Muir Trust. The sessions are supported by dedicated and knowledgeable adult volunteer leaders. The volunteers take part in a range of activities, from tree planting to footpath maintenance, at sites across the Lake District National Park.