Four young people are gaining practical conservation experience and recognised qualifications by improving habitats along the River Esk and within the North York Moors National Park.
Paid conservation work is providing a crucial stepping stone into the growing green economy for young people previously out of education and employment.
Four trainees from East Cleveland began six-month placements as Esk Valley River Rangers earlier this year, taking on hands-on roles to protect and enhance the local environment.
The rangers are delivering vital environmental improvements across the River Esk and within the North York Moors National Park. By participating in the scheme, the recruits are gaining practical experience and recognised training designed to support a clear route into future environmental careers.
The daily efforts of the rangers are directly contributing to biodiversity recovery, climate resilience, and improved access to high-quality natural environments.
Their practical conservation work includes controlling invasive species, restoring estuarine habitats, and managing wildflower meadows. In addition to habitat management, the trainees are enhancing footpaths and access routes for the benefit of both local communities and visitors, while also supporting community engagement at public events.
River Ranger trainee Finlay Dewar started his placement in June. He said:
"I have been learning new skills and getting to meet new people. I am gaining more knowledge about different locations and areas of the streams that run into the River Esk. I had never been to Spital Beck before, and now I am supporting access to it through footpath clearance."
The placements are part of River Esk Connect, a five-year community engagement programme launched in September 2024. Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the initiative aims to reconnect people with the River Esk and its surrounding landscape.
Organisers say the programme encourages local communities to value, protect, and care for the unique natural environment of the area, whilst simultaneously raising awareness of the impacts of climate change.
Alongside their practical work experience, the four trainees are securing recognised qualifications to boost their employability. These include First Aid certification, brushcutter licences, and carbon literacy training.
This specific training is financially supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and the North York Moors National Park Authority, utilising Section 106 funding associated with the Woodsmith Mine development.
The placements are designed to support workplace skills development and offer access to optional vocational courses. This comprehensive approach helps participants build the necessary knowledge, confidence, and experience to progress into long-term careers in conservation.
Hellen Hornby, Nature-based Solutions Lead at Groundwork NE and Cumbria, said:
"We hope the River Ranger initiative will provide the stepping stone these young people need to build careers in conservation. The initiative gives participants paid work experience, practical skills and recognised training while also delivering environmental improvements across the Esk Valley. We’re grateful to our funders for making this opportunity possible and would welcome conversations with other local organisations interested in supporting future training and employment opportunities."
Looking ahead, there are hopes to expand the initiative and offer further employment placements in 2027.
These future opportunities will be targeted at young people aged eighteen to twenty-one who are not currently in education, employment, or training.
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