The Lake District National Park Authority has recruited two new habitat restoration and conservation officers to deliver a wide range of environmental education at the authority’s visitor centre at Brockhole and improve habitats within the grounds.

Oli Barnes and Victoria Ireland have recently started with the Authority and are both up for the challenge, which will see a brand new learning and engagement programme delivered at Brockhole.

The learning and conservation project is funded as part of the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund in partnership with Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission.

“We are really excited to be sharing the conservation work we are doing at Brockhole with local schools and groups,” said Victoria.

“It’s fascinating to see how curious young people are about the natural world and facilitating opportunities to harness some of that intrigue is what motivates me.”

Oli said: “Experiences like these can shape you for years to come. By engaging and empowering young people, I hope that together, we can learn to understand, cherish and nurture our landscapes.”

The new interactive ‘Explore and Restore Nature Days’ are available to schools, particularly those from urban areas who would otherwise not have the opportunity to engage in outdoor learning sessions.

A major focus of the funding is to target North West schools throughout Cumbria and Lancashire, offering travel and activity subsidies where appropriate.

The tutored sessions at Brockhole will focus on the wildlife and habitats in the site, including its ancient woodland, damp meadow and pond surrounded by rush pasture.