Adventurous young people are being encouraged to become rangers in the Mendip Hills.

The Mendip Hills AONB Service are looking for 15 young people who love the outdoors and who want to be part of a special group of Young Rangers.

They will get a taste for what it’s like to look after the Mendip Hills, one of Britain’s most special places, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Young Rangers will gain qualifications such as Outdoor First Aid, navigation and the John Muir Conservation Award, along with learning about the special qualities of the Mendip Hills, getting their hands dirty doing nature recovery tasks and having fun doing outdoor adventure activities.

Andy Chamberlain, ranger volunteer coordinator for the AONB Service said, “The Young Ranger scheme is a unique opportunity for young people who love being outside on the Mendip Hills.

"They’ll have lots of amazing new experiences on the Mendip Hills from finding adders to abseiling down cliffs.

"We’re looking for young people who love being outdoors and can see themselves working in the countryside, they may already be living on a farm.

"We’re not looking for the most academic, we want to see applications from young people who already have a genuine interest in wildlife, conservation or outdoor adventure and can demonstrate this.”

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Matilda, a young ranger who has now graduated, said, "Young Rangers has not only given me practical skills such as dry-stone walling, navigation skills and first aid, but it has also given me social skills, helped to build my confidence and plenty of memories!"

Jane, a current young ranger said, "Being a young ranger has helped me to get to know the Mendip Hills better, and I've really enjoyed learning about what the rangers do.

"I have also met a group of amazing, like-minded people who I've become great friends with. If you're an outdoor person, you'll love it!"

Young people aged between 11-13 years can apply to join.

The programme lasts two years with 20 activities on the first Saturday of every month, apart from August and December.

The Mendip Hills AONB Partnership subsidises the scheme so that places are offered at only £125 per young ranger for the two-year programme. This covers all activities, equipment and the young ranger uniform.

To apply visit the young rangers page on the Mendip Hills AONB website to download the application form.

There will be an open evening at Charterhouse Centre on Friday, July 1, repeated online on Monday, July 4, after which, the deadline for applications is Friday, July 8.

The selection process will take place during the week of July 18. The programme then starts in September.