Applications Open for Exciting Council Youth Leader Programme

Applications have opened for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Geopark Youth Leader Programme.

Designed for those with a passion for the outdoors and nature conservation, perhaps considering an environmental career or who want to encourage others to responsibly enjoy the district’s precious landscapes, the youth programme offers a fantastic opportunity.

Open to those aged between 16 and 24, the exciting programme will mainly be delivered within the Ring of Gullion and Strangford and Lecale AONBs. Funded by Action Renewables, with sponsorship from Landscapes NI, the initiative is free of charge, with applicants asked to commit to attending the whole programme.

Running from June this year until February 2027, participants will engage in a range of environmental and nature conservation-themed sessions, where they will develop new personal and practical skills, allowing them to become an Environmental Youth Leader and champion for nature.

Through planned activities, participants will be introduced to a range of natural habitats and meet the people who are committed to protecting them, with the transferable skills and qualifications allowing participants to implement these in their chosen career.

Previous youth leaders have been ebullient in their praise for the programme, with one describing it as a “down to earth programme where you get to do so many great activities and meet some amazing people, all while getting a unique, hands on experience with nature conservation.”

Another said: “This programme has taught me more about the environment in the last six months. It is an amazing opportunity and experience” while another participant added: “Each day of the programme surprised me, both in how much I was able to learn and how much fun I had.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “The comments of young people who have previously taken part in the programme tells you everything you need to know. What better place for those with a passion for the environment and great outdoors than to immerse themselves in the Ring of Gullion and Strangford and Lecale AONBs?”

The Council Chairperson said the Youth Leader Programme is invaluable and engaging with young people with a passion for the environment who will be its future guardians.

“Young people who commit to protecting our stunning landscapes are paving the way for those who will come behind to enjoy them and take up the mantle to care for them. The district is bursting with coastlines, forests, picturesque waterways and countryside and depends on those willing to step forward and play their part in preservation,” Cllr Campbell added.

Application forms are available at https://strangfordlough.org/things-to-do/aonb-geopark-youth-leader-programme-16-24-year-olds/