Devon Live reports that a six-week "Countryside Skills" course will be held next month for unemployed people interested in working in the environment and countryside management sectors

The course, which starts on Tuesday 10 January, has been developed by community interest company Running Deer and is funded through Devon County Council’s Natural Capital Challenge Fund (NCCF), which was created to stimulate the county’s post-Covid recovery.

It is one of six projects funded through the NCCF to support job and skills creation in the natural capital sector, while improving and safeguarding the county’s environment.

The course will be delivered from locations near Moretonhampstead, with some practical sessions on Dartmoor.

It will cover a number of subject areas including practical training in environmental conservation, woodland management, hand tool use and maintenance, establishing and protecting habitats, woodland and field surveys and tree planting.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council cabinet member for economic recovery and skills, said:

“It’s fantastic to see these practical skills being taught in such a vital sector.

It’s more important than ever that our countryside and environment is well cared for and well managed. Hopefully this Countryside Skills course can help participants to carve out a new career for themselves.”

Full article:

Devon Live - Countryside Skills course aims to help career paths