SIX new apprentices are being sought to help restore ancient woodland in a South Lakeland valley.

Trees in the Rusland Valley are suffering neglect due to a loss in woodland industries and the skills associated with them.

So in a bid to reverse this decline The Rusland Valley Fells Landscape Partnership is to deliver the Valley Futures apprenticeship programme between now and 2019 as part of its Rusland Horizons scheme.

Recruiting and training young people in practical and rural heritage skills, the programme will offer an opportunity to restore the Rusland Valley’s landscape. It will enable young people to develop vital practical skills and knowledge essential for pursuing a career in the rural sector.

Valley Futures will follow in the footsteps of the success of the Lake District National Park Authority’s ‘Fell Futures’ apprenticeship programme, where all of the participants are now employed full time in the rural sector.

Claire Green, Rusland Horizon’s new Skills and Training Coordinator says: “The programme will provide an exciting chance for local young people to become part of a team dedicated to restore and protect this important landscape.”

People can find out more about the apprenticeship programme at www.ruslandhorizons.org or by emailing Claire Green, at claire.green@lakedistrict.gov.uk. Applications will be open for apprenticeship posts from June 20. For details and to apply, visit www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/aboutus/jobs.