Wild Youth also have a number of annual opportunities for young people to get involved with.
Hills Explorers Programme (16 – 18 year olds)
This takes place in the Summer months and is designed to improve the health and wellbeing of those taking part, with sessions based around the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. Activities include practical conservation sessions, wildlife surveys, and some other general activities like hikes, bushcraft and arts/crafts.
Trainee Ranger Scheme (18 – 25 year olds)
Applications to the Trainee Ranger Scheme open in the summer with the programme taking place in the Autumn / Winter months. Typically running for 13 weeks, the Scheme is designed to upskill young people with a number of environmental skills and qualifications. No prior training is necessary.
Wild Youth Steering Group
The Wild Youth Steering Group is a group of young people who, as the name suggests, will help steer the Wild Youth project, give advice and guidance to staff, assist with social media campaigns and help judge applications and award schemes.
Hills Youth Ranger (18 – 25 year olds)
Become a warden of the Belfast Hills! You will take care of a site around the Hills for 12 months. Each month you will explore the site that you have been assigned and submit a report. In the report you will write down any issues that you may encounter whilst visiting the site (i.e. invasive species, broken fences or any other maintenance requirements you may notice).
Applications to the Hills Youth Ranger are currently open until Sunday 5th January 2025. Find out more by visiting the
Wild Youth page.