Young rangers appointed to help lead Dales conservation

Traditional rural skills are being passed on to new generations in the Yorkshire Dales where a pair of graduate apprentices have been appointed to help conserve the National Park's stunning landscapes.

James Firth, 27, from Leyburn, and Suzannah Barningham, 28, from Low Row, have landed the highly sought after positions of access rangers, having been among the latest young people, aged 16-24, to complete Dales Rural Apprenticeships run by local charity, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT).

The duo are charged with helping to maintain the public rights of way network, other access routes and open access areas.

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Mr Firth, whose apprenticeship has already seen him secure work for the ranger services at the North York Moors and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Parks, is now based in Upper Wensleydale, operating out of a workshop in Hawes. Ms Barningham is based at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s (YDNPA) new office in Orton and works in the Westmorland Dales area of the park - a section that became part of the park when its boundaries were extended last August.

Ms Barningham said: “Having grown up in Swaledale, I have always wanted to help conserve and look after the special landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, and completing the YDMT apprenticeship scheme has provided me with the skills needed to do my dream job.”

And Mr Firth added: “I’m looking forward to working with landowners to help improve public access and bring environmental benefits to the area.”

Jo Boulter, who has overseen rural apprenticeship schemes at YDMT for the last six years, said: “I was very proud to hear that James and Suzannah had fought off stiff competition to secure their ideal jobs. It just goes to show that these apprenticeship opportunities can be truly life-changing and often lead to rewarding careers in countryside management.”

The new recruits join Josh Hull, who completed his apprenticeship in 2012 and went on to be appointed Three Peaks Ranger with YDNPA.