OPPORTUNIIES for young people to train for a career looking after Exmoor’s landscape and heritage are being offered by the national park authority (ENPA) as part of its Exmoor Pioneers programme.

The programme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and CareMoor for Exmoor, provides paid traineeships aimed at ages 18 to 25 years and local employers.

Recruitment is already going ahead for a woodland trainee based with Three Atop Woodland Services, in Simonsbath, involving a wide range of practical activities, including forestry, tree felling, fencing, and working in a sawmill.

The closing date for applications is Friday, March 6.

An engagement trainee is also being recruited who will assist with events and activities and communications, the closing date for which is Monday, March 2.

Exmoor Pioneers co-ordinator Philippa Hill said: “Enthusiasm, not qualifications, is key to this scheme.

“People are vital to caring for the beautiful landscape, heritage, and nature that make Exmoor so special, but we are facing a twin challenge.

“Exmoor has a growing skills gap in certain roles critical to caring for the landscape, while at the same time young people are struggling to land jobs in their chosen careers.

“Last year we welcomed Henri at Three Atop Woodland Services who learned forestry and woodland management skills, and Logan, an apprentice ranger in the Exmoor National Park team.”

Logan Schofield has been involved in a wide range of work across Exmoor, including supporting Young Rangers activities, footpath maintenance, and leading engagement events, rock-pooling, pine marten tracking, and archaeological investigations.

He said: “I have had so many opportunities to visit other sites, workers, and local people within the park and take in all their unique knowledge and experiences, getting involved in everything from wildlife monitoring to rights of way improvements.

“I have wanted a role like this since watching the likes of Steve Backshall on television when I was little and I am hoping the practical skills and qualifications I have gained will really help in finding another job on Exmoor or in the conservation sector."

Ms Hill said: “This year we aim to recruit four more trainees.

“Some of these will be based within ENPA, supporting work in our woodlands and conserving heritage.

“Others will be based within traditional construction and craft industries such as blacksmithing, dry-stone walling, or traditional plastering.

“We will have further trainee recruitments launched in 2027.

“Young people are critical to creating a future where we have the skills needed to care for Exmoor.

“Paid, entry level roles with meaningful training remove barriers, open doors, and give young people a fair start.

“Our paid traineeships are one element of a wider skills programme, including careers’ education, our Young Rangers scheme, volunteering opportunities, and supported internships.

“Together, these initiatives help young people gain confidence, build experience, and see a future for themselves on Exmoor.”

Exmoor Pioneers is a four-year programme seeking to connect people to the natural and cultural heritage of the former Royal Forest in the heart of Exmoor.

More information is available by visiting the national park authority’s website.