We are pleased to be continuing our Rural Skills Training Programme in 2022 and beyond.

Our Rural Skills Development Programme creates opportunities for people in the community to gain new skills and in turn help to regenerate parts of the Estate and restore ecosystems.
Anyone can come and get involved with our Rural Skills sessions – but we have found that these opportunities can be vital to those who are unemployed or inactive and need support to transition into employed work. Overall, the experiences and the new, transferable skills acquired will provide a sound foundation for future employment. If you are isolated or lonely and are looking to re-establish personal interactions this project is also for you!

Our rural skills programme helps to develop and enhance our wildlife area was we develop a community leisure and education amenity. Part of the Estate includes an overgrown millpond and a meadow area and the project will considerably enhance its wildlife value – removing non-native invasive plants and restoring habitats for priority species.

800 metres of leat bank , and the banks of the half-hectare millpond will be improved, assisting the restoration of habitat for aquatic and semi-aquatic flora and fauna. The project will also aim to make the area more accessible to the local community, school groups and families.

Our project supervisor Alex will provides on-site skills development two days a week – Tuesdays & Thursdays – this will include fencing, tree planting, habitat creation and management, drystone walling and aqua lime mortaring.