The Pebblebed Youth Ranger programme offers young people aged 13-17 the opportunity to volunteer in conservation, whilst developing confidence and self-esteem through hands-on experiences. Supported by Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust (PHCT) staff, Youth Rangers will be able to develop new skills, gain work experience, have fun, and take positive action for nature.
Participants will have a better understanding of the landscape, habitats, and heritage of the Pebblebed Heaths NNR, they will have developed countryside management skills and a broader interest in conservation and countryside issues, and they will have gained transferable skills e.g. habitat and species management.
The programme’s planned structure is to have regular monthly sessions on a weekend during term-time and during the week during school holidays. The programme is open to any young person, aged 13-17 and will take place across the full National Nature Reserve (NNR) and plans to include partner organisations in the delivery of the programme.
To launch the Pebblebed Youth Ranger programme, two taster/introduction sessions were delivered on Thursday 31st July on World Ranger Day during Heath Week and on Thursday 14th August. These events were designed to be an introduction to the Pebblebed Heaths and Otter Estuary and give young people an opportunity to try the Youth Ranger programme without formally registering if they decide the programme is not for them.
Launch/ Taster Sessions
The Pebblebed Youth Ranger programme launched on Thursday 31st July on World Ranger Day during Heath Week. For this session, 8 Youth Rangers were given a 4X4 tour of the Pebblebed Heaths by the Reserves Manager and Community Engagement Ranger, giving them information on habitat and species management, alongside understanding the unique features and importance of the Pebblebed Heaths. This was followed by a short practical task – Bracken Bashing, helping us to protect some of the archaeological features on the heaths.
Youth Ranger Launch event – Pebblebed Heaths 31/07/2025
The second taster/introduction session was on Thursday 14th August on the Otter Estuary, where 5 Youth Rangers enjoyed a short walk and an introduction to the site by Estuary Ranger, Rick Lockwood, followed by a practical task of removing redundant tree guards from the reserve and an introduction to bird ID. During this event we focused on the history, ecology and habitat management of the Otter Estuary, led by the ranger who cares for and protects the site.
Youth Ranger Otter Estuary Introduction 14/08/2025
Future Plans
Having now completed both launch/taster sessions, all those who have attended or registered an interest in being a Youth Ranger have been invited to formally register as a Pebblebed Youth Ranger.
Future Youth Ranger sessions are currently being planned with the interests of Youth Rangers in mind, as many have already expressed interest in pursuing careers in conservation, and this programme gives them a way of accessing skills and experience earlier in their journey.
We look forward to sharing more about the programme as it develops and if you want to join us as a Pebblebed Youth Ranger we would love to welcome you! To find out more about the Pebblebed Youth Ranger programme please contact Community Engagement Ranger, Savannah Brownlow at [email protected] or register as a Youth Ranger by clicking here.
Pebblebed Youth Rangers is made possible through the Pebblebeds For All project. Pebblebeds For All is made possible through support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thanks to National Lottery Players