A project to reverse the decline of traditional skills in the Lake District has been given national recognition.
The National Park Authority's been working to fight the decline of skills like dry-stone walling and forestry.
Fell Futures will be formally handed the Campaign for National Parks Park Protector Award - and given a £2,000 prize at a ceremony in Westminster later this month.
The project has helped train 12 apprentices and 30 new volunteers in those skills, which also include habitat conservation, lime mortaring and upland stone pitching.
Fell Futures has a 100% track record of getting apprentices into employment with 90% working in Cumbria.
The initiative has seen 5,350 days committed by apprentices, volunteers and members of the public, delivering practical heritage projects valued at £260,000.
Fiona Howie, Campaign for National Parks Chief Executive, said: "We had a number of superb nominations this year but this project stood out as a fantastic success story for the Lake District National Park. The work this project delivers in terms of providing opportunities for local people to learn traditional skills is vital and their track record of getting 100 per cent of people who have been trained into employment in the sector speaks volumes about the quality of the training and the apprentices who participate.
“Traditional skills have shaped the character of all of our National Parks and it is wonderful to hear about this successful project that has made a difference to the lives of those involved but will also help manage and shape the Lake District now and in the future.”
Annette Cotter, from award sponsors Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust Trustee - and Ramblers Worldwide Holidays Chair, added: "We are really pleased that Fell Futures is raising traditional skills in the Lake District and also providing local jobs for local people.
"The scheme is also teaching apprentices about rights of way maintenance and installation including gates, stiles and waymarking and bridge building, which is great news for our walkers taking part in holidays across the Lake District.”
Fell Futures apprentice John Buckland said: “Starting this apprenticeship has so far, been the best decision I have made regarding my career path. It has opened up many new opportunities for me which otherwise I would not have been able to gain – for example improving on a wide range of practical skills that led to me achieving an assortment of qualifications.
“The Fell Futures Apprenticeship is a great opportunity for people who want to follow a career into the countryside. And where better to do so than in the Lake District National Park.”
Apprentice Mike MacInnes said: "Seventeen months later I now have a massive skills set, which ranges from rights of way surveying, furniture maintenance and installation to river bank restoration work. Working for the National Park has given me the opportunity, not only to strengthen existing skills but also to learn more.
“The apprenticeship means a lot to me because it has made a huge difference to my life. Not only has it pushed me to move away from home and given me the chance to stand on my own two feet, but it’s also given me the chance to meet new people and do a job that I love. I think apprenticeships are a fantastic way to get your foot in the door, especially if it is centred around a hands-on job such as mine.”
