The wide expanses of heathland, the rolling green downlands and and the numerous woods, copses and shaws throughout the county, all form part of Surrey's outstanding natural heritage. In addition to providing opportunities for recreation and employment, these areas support an amazing wealth of wildlife and they contribute significantly to making Surrey such a pleasant and desirable place to live.
In order to balance the many demands made on these natural areas by modern life and to maintain them for future generations to enjoy, appropriate and sympathetic management is essential.
Surrey County Council, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund 'Skills for the Future' Programme, has now initiated a training project specifically directed at people wanting to gain the skills and experience needed to manage our natural heritage.
The three-year project started in spring 2011 and, each year, three paid apprenticeships will be available. Applicants do not need to have any specific educational or work background, but must be able to demonstrate a keen interest and commitment to working in the countryside sector. Applications from under-represented groups are particularly welcome.
In addition to a year-long programme of training (both in-house and certified external courses) the trainees will be working full-time with three, Surrey-based countryside management projects. These placements provide the opportunity to work alongside other countryside professionals, utilise the skills they have gained on the training courses, see a variety of different sites and gain invaluable hands-on experience.
Downlands Project
Based in Reigate and working throughout north-east Surrey and parts of south London, the Downlands Project was founded in 1988 and specialises in all aspects of the management of chalk downland, particularly on the North Downs.
Based in Guildford, The Heathland Project was set up in 1989 and operates across the west of the county, providing specialist practical skills, advice and conservation grazing for the heathlands of Surrey and beyond.
Based near Epsom in Horton Country Park, the Lower Mole Project has been operating since 1983 and carries out management tasks on a range of different habitats including woodland, ponds, and rights of way.
We will be recruiting again in early 2012. For more details, please contact Rachel O'Hara on03456 009 009
