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The Mendip Hills AONB Young Ranger Scheme has been running since 2005 when the first two year programme was set up with 15 Young Rangers aged 11- 15 years, selected from local schools. Fairlands in Cheddar, Chew Valley School, The Blue School in Wells, Churchill Community School and Oakfield School, nr Frome.
The Europarc Federation – the umbrella organisation of Europe’s protected landscapes, set up the model for such schemes and it is this model that the Mendip Hills AONB has followed.
The scheme aims to promote better understanding of why this area is so important and to give experience and understanding of countryside management. It also provides life skills such as first aid, communication and navigation that whilst relevant to the countryside are skills that are beneficial to young people in whatever career path they choose. It is intended that through this scheme, young people who live in or close to the AONB gain a better understanding and sense of belonging to it.
In 2008 the Young Rangers received the Somerset Council Staff award for collaboration recognising the team work of the young rangers in supporting each other and the new intake of Young Rangers in 2007.
The Young Ranger Programme
The current two year programme provides 10 one day activities held on Saturdays with a celebratory camp at the end of the programme. The programme includes e.g. communication, first aid, navigation, landscape appreciation, farm diversification, geology and archaeology.
Visit to Will woodlands - picture right
Alex Hannam said 'The woodland is mainly deciduous. It used to be a manor with farmland but now is being planted with trees. It was good to see how woodland looks when it is young and how woodland is managed. It was fun trying and often failing to identify the different tree species and the views over the lakes were very good. The people who guided us were very good and told us a lot of interesting information. We learned about planting native British trees including oak, ash, beech, birch and lime. We were told how woodland is managed and about the risks to young trees from pests like voles, deer and squirrels'.
Advanced Rangers
On completion of the two year programme Young Rangers have the option to stay on as Advanced Young Rangers, with opportunities to develop there acquired first aid and navigation skills, participate in practical tasks or assist our Mendip Hills AONB Volunteer Rangers.
Europarc Junior Ranger camps
Europarc promote and assist in organising an annual camp for Young Rangers to attend from all over Europe. In 2008 the camp was held in the Cairngorms National Park, attended by 31 junior rangers and their mentors from 8 countries. The camp of around 50 tents was situated in the very east of the Cairngorms National Park. Participants enjoyed swimming in the river, canoeing and attended the Highland Games.
This year the camp was in Spain in Parc Natural de Aiguamolls de l'Emporada in Catalunya. Two of our Advanced Young Rangers attended. See Latest News for an update.
In 2010 the Mendip Hills AONB will host the Europarc camp in partnership with Goblin Combe Environment Centre and Fernhill Farm. It is intended that this event will link in with the build up to the 2012 Olympics through the Cultural Olympiad programme. A steering group has been set up to organise the 2010 camp. Young Rangers are part of this group and will assist with fund raising and deciding on the programme of activities.
Becoming a Young Ranger
Every two years the AONB Unit takes on 15 new Young Rangers to the scheme. Details of the next intake will be publicised in April/May 2011.
