Green Academies Project

Green Academies volunteers walking through woodland — Green Academies volunteers head out for the day's activities

Quarry Bank is one of six National Trust places in England and Wales chosen to take part in the Green Academies Project (GAP). GAP is one of 31 projects across the UK that make up the Our Bright Future programme, funded by the Big Lottery Fund. GAP offers young people in our target communities the chance to gain practical conservation skills and experience in habitat conservation, food growing and horticulture in local green spaces alongside experienced rangers. We hope to make positive, sustainable links with the local community supporting diversity and opportunity.

Are you aged 11-24 and live in Wythenshawe? Get a taste for the outdoors with a Green Academies Project taster session

Does your local youth group or college want to improve local green spaces, learn new skills and get advice on how to use these skills to get further training, education and employment? We offer taster sessions for groups to book and can tailor them to suit your needs. Current partners include Newall Green School and Manchester College.

Ranger Jim and a Green Academies Project volunteer learning new skills

Quarry Bank has a variety of habitats that are managed according to a long-term plan for their conservation. You can help with conservation tasks in all of our habitats including removal of invasive species, vegetation cutting and clearing, creating wildlife habitats, gardening, weeding and hedge-cutting. There will also be opportunities to try something a bit different on taster sessions offered by our partners.

Green Academies Project Youth Rangers

If you live in Wythenshawe and are aged 12-18 get involved in working outdoors and build a connection with wildlife through our Youth Rangers sessions. The Youth Rangers meet on the third Sunday of every month from 10am - 2pm. As a Quarry Bank Youth Ranger you are helping towards the conservation of this beautiful National Trust estate. Throughout your journey as a Youth Ranger you will have the opportunity to learn new skills, improve your knowledge of local wildlife, make new friends and most importantly, enjoy being outdoors!
Your commitment to helping nature and protecting our special places here at Quarry Bank will be rewarded. Once you have completed six sessions of volunteering you will receive a Quarry Bank Youth Ranger hoodie and after completing nine sessions you will receive a certificate of achievement and a wildlife ID guide.

Training and advice from National Trust staff and our partners will be available to help you get the most out of your experiences and we welcome participants from all backgrounds and abilities. Travel support is available.

Green Academies Urban Ranger Club Wythenshawe

Become a vital part of creating a community task force in Wythenshawe of young people and adult volunteers committed to building a connection with wildlife and protecting green spaces in the community. You can work as a team to take ownership of your environment and choose the areas you'd like to work on. We'll provide you with all the support you need, including a small budget to finance the project and training and advice from National Trust staff and our partners.

Green Academies Project activities volunteers: a stepping stone to your future

If you're a young adult who already has a passion for conservation and wildlife you might want to join us and extend your skills and knowledge. You'll also gain invaluable experience working with young local people on an exciting project for the National Trust.

Apply now for further details

Apply for taster sessions, Quarry Bank Youth Rangers, Urban Ranger Club or Activity Volunteers by contacting Sara on 07771 342 255 or at Sara.Armstrong@nationaltrust.org.uk