RURAL trainees have spent a day in the woods learning some of the skills needed to enable them to run their own fun, safe and educational nature-based activities for groups in the future.

Cleatop Park Wood Local Nature Reserve near Settle provided the setting for this day of den building, wood whittling and team building, which was led by Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) in partnership with Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA).

It was part of the Dales Rural Trainee Scheme, which is run by the Clapham-based YDMT to provide young local people with a potentially life-changing opportunity to forge a successful career in countryside management.

The trainees gain the experience and rural skills needed through a combination of hands-on work placements, relevant qualifications and additional training like this woodland-based learning session.

First up was den building, using natural materials found in the wood, such as fallen trees and branches, leaves and bracken to create a shelter – a great activity to do with children, as it helps youngsters to develop a bond with nature and the countryside, whilst encouraging an active imagination and lifestyle.

Whilst constructing their own dens, the trainees considered issues such as health and safety, preparative site visits, risk assessments, obtaining permission from landowners, communicating effectively with attendees and understanding the environmental impact of woodland based activities.

Jo Boulter, Dales Rural Trainee project officer at YDMT, said: “The aim was to give the trainees the knowledge and confidence to be able to organise and lead successful outdoor group activities themselves, as well as supporting their college studies by brushing up on communication skills and team working.”

Cat Kilner, YDNPA’s area ranger for Malhamdale, added: “It was great to see some of the more experienced trainees putting their existing knowledge to the test, working alongside Jo and myself to plan and deliver this training session for their contemporaries.”

The group also tried their hand at whittling, learning how to use a sharp knife to craft homemade butter knives from ‘green’ wood. The trainees discussed safe whittling techniques and how this activity could be adapted for young groups by using vegetable peelers and softer wood.

Kate Cartmell-Done, a Dales Rural Trainee based at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “I had a great time and learnt new skills like wood whittling. I now feel confident that I could take a group out into the wild to lead a fun and educational activity.”

The Dales Rural Trainee Scheme has been made possible thanks to generous financial support from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the Garfield Weston Foundation, The Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust, The J Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust, Lord Swinton’s Charitable Trust, Yorkshire Agricultural Society and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.