Young Rangers prove their eco-credentials

Activities ranged from learning about the coast, visiting the Farne Islands, learning bush-craft skills, scuba diving and rockpooling to finding out about the work of the Coastguard as well as having an introduction to first aid.

All of the Young Rangers also received their Discovery John Muir Award at an awards ceremony with Coast Care staff and their family and friends at St Cuthbert’s Guesthouse in Seahouses, run by Jill and Jeff Sutheran who have generously supported the Young Rangers since the project began.

Jane Smith, from the Seahouses Development Trust, said: “All too often, young people receive a negative press, so it is wonderful that this project gives them a chance to make a difference.”

She added: “As our coastal environment falls under increasing pressure, each and every one of them can be proud that when they join, they really will be helping to preserve the area for everybody to enjoy.”

Anna Chouler, Coast Care officer, said it was great to see youngsters helping to protect the coastline.

She added: “I am so excited to be working with our local young people to help encourage a passion for conservation, none of which would have been made possible without the support from players of the National Lottery.

“The Coast Care initiative has got off to a great start and 2018 is shaping up to be even better.”

The second year of Young Ranger activities will be starting in September with the programme offering young people, aged between 13 and 19, a great opportunity to learn about the north Northumberland coast including its wildlife, castles and ancient archaeology.

On offer are plenty of fun activities to take part in throughout the course of the year, including scuba diving and boat trips, and the chance to gain a valuable John Muir qualification.

The team will be hosting a taster day on Monday from 10am to 2pm at Seahouses Hub, where interested young people, together with their parents, will have the opportunity to find out more about what it is like to be a Young Ranger. It is free to attend and lunch is provided.

For more information, visit the website www.coast-care.co.uk/young-rangers/

There are only 12 places available.

To apply complete the application form on the website, or, for more information, send an email to [email protected]

The Coast Care initiative is run by Northumberland Coast AONB partnership, Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Seahouses Development Trust.

It has been made possible through a grant of £522,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

You can follow the Coast Care project on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Coast-Care-Northumberland

The Coast Care team does some important work, including regular cleans of the beaches in Northumberland.

Upcoming tidy-ups are at Boulmer (today, 2pm); Alnmouth (Thursday, July 26, 6pm);Warkworth (Thursday, August 2, noon); Amble (Thursday, August 9, 6pm); Berwick Pier (Thursday, August 16, 2pm): Spittal (Thursday, August 23, 10am); Bamburgh (Monday, August 27, 10am) ; and Cocklawburn (Thursday, August 30, noon).

Other activities include ragwort waste management and balsam bashing.

For more information and to get involved, visit the Coast Care website.