Skills for Nature in Cumbria

Meet Amy, who is part of the growing team in our Cumbria/Lancashire Hub, in her role as Outdoor Learning Officer (Skills for Nature).

Amy is based at Low Beckside Farm, Mungrisdale, the farm we own and run as a learning and training resource to give young people an opportunity to get into land-based careers.

Her role is to support those of higher and further education age who are considered underserved, to gain skills and experience in the land-based sector. With Amy’s guidance, and the activities provided at Low Beckside, the young people work towards qualifications which will give them help them move into employment. The experience, skills and confidence they gain can be a game-changer, opening-up new opportunities and possibilities for future careers, often in the outdoors.

Among those Amy supports is a group from Ullswater Community College, who learn skills including greenwood working and animal care. These activities are linked to formal ASDAN awards (the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network helps young people develop skills and experience to continue their education, enter work and live independently).

Amy also supports our apprentices at Low Beckside Farm and was involved in the launch of The OWL Collaboration in Cumbria – the first in the North West, following the programme’s success working with Outdoor Learning Centre partners elsewhere in the UK. The programme enables schoolchildren to experience an Outdoor Week of Learning residential, and caught the attention of BBC Radio Cumbria, whose coverage was featured in an earlier blog – see the link below. 

Before joining our team, Amy – a qualified outdoor instructor – was working in ropes course construction, and she is a former police officer. As a volunteer, she runs the Cumbria branch of Love Her Wild, which aims to make the outdoors more accessible for women. She is also a qualified swimming teacher and lifeguard.

Read more about The OWL Collaboration in Cumbria here: