YOUNG people with a passion for nature are being encouraged to apply to become a national park ranger.

Northumberland National Park’s Young Volunteer Ranger programme, now in its fifth year, is ideal for anyone aged 16 to 25 with an interest in pursuing a career in the environmental or countryside sectors.

Successful applicants will work alongside national park staff to get involved in the care and management of the park, including its sites, woodlands and nature reserves.

Northumberland National Park ranger Jane Riddell said: “The volunteer ranger placement programme is a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on and experience the work of our national park rangers and specialist teams.

“Everyone who takes part will get a great understanding of protected areas, landscapes, species and the important role of Northumberland National Park in land management and conservation.

“We hope that by offering this experience, it will inspire the next generation of landscape enthusiasts.”

Anna Robe, a student at Newcastle University studying countryside management, took part in the scheme in 2016. She said: “This placement was a fantastic opportunity for me as it allowed me to gain vital work experience.

“I worked with some amazing people who taught me new skills and knowledge in different aspects of their vision to create a rich, thriving, biodiverse working landscape.”

There are two spring placements, one of which is at Walltown, Hadrian’s Wall, near Greenhead, while the other is in Rothbury.

They involve a 10-day commitment between April, May and June 2017, on a voluntary basis. The scheme also gives participants the opportunity to achieve their John Muir Explorer Award.

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday, February 6.

To apply, download an application form on the Northumberland National Park website.