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Cross Keys Homes (CKH) and Nene Park Trust are teaming up to give local young people the once in a lifetime opportunity to gain work experience as a park ranger at Ferry Meadows.

The five week course is open to anyone aged 18-24 and not in education, experience or training. Participants will shadow current Rangers as they go about their work in the Park, and will gain a great insight into the role, as well as learning valuable, transferable skills.

The young people will learn willow weaving, to maintain the willow maze, tending the trees in the park’s onsite nursery and maintenance of the Native Tree Trail. They will also learn woodworking skills.

CKH’s Chief Executive, Claire Higgins, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to get outdoors and learn about a role they may never have thought about before. So many young people who have struggled in a formal learning environment find new talents and interests when doing practical work outdoors. We hope this course will open doors for young people to find fulfilling careers in a sector that they may not have previously considered.”

Andrew MacDermott, Head of Development at Nene Park said: “We are delighted to be working with CKH to identify young people to take part in this project. It’s a fabulous chance for young people to come and see behind the scenes at the Trust and experience the role of a Ranger first hand. For people interested in the environment or a career in conservation, this is a great way to get an insight, learn some new skills and plan their path for their future.”

The course is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as a #YourCommunityGreenspace project, and will start on 13 October 2020, running every Tuesday for five weeks. To find out more and book a place, contact CKH on 01733 396404 or email community@crosskeyshomes.co.uk