New Lake District habitat conservation officers are up for green recovery challenge

The Lake District National Park Authority has recruited two new Habitat Restoration and Conservation Officers to deliver a wide range of environmental education at the Authority’s Visitor Centre, Brockhole and improve habitats within the grounds.

Oli Barnes and Victoria Ireland have recently started with the Authority and are both up for the challenge, which will see a brand new learning and engagement programme delivered at Brockhole.

It is hoped that the project will stimulate a connection with the beautiful Lake District landscape, and give prominence to the active role that each and every person can take in protecting it. The learning and conservation project is funded as part of the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund in partnership with Natural England, Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission.

Victoria says: “We are really excited to be sharing the conservation work we are doing at Brockhole with local schools and groups. It’s fascinating to see how curious young people are about the natural world and facilitating opportunities to harness some of that intrigue is what motivates me.”

Oli added: “Experiences like these can shape you for years to come. By engaging and empowering young people, I hope that together, we can learn to understand, cherish and nurture our landscapes.”

The new interactive ‘Explore and Restore Nature Days’ are available to schools, particularly those from urban areas who would otherwise not have the opportunity to engage in outdoor learning sessions.

A major focus of the funding is to target North West schools throughout Cumbria and Lancashire, offering travel and activity subsidies where appropriate.

The tutored sessions at Brockhole will focus on the unique wildlife and habitats in the site, including its ancient woodland, damp meadow and pond surrounded by rush pasture. There is a large emphasis on nature restoration, with the hope that participants of the Explore and Restore Nature Days leave feeling equipped with enough information and understanding about what actions they can take to recover and conserve the landscape.

Find out more information about the project and how to get involved:
Explore and Restore Nature Days | Brockhole