Wildlife Trust Youth Rangers of Luton and Bedfordshire

A great way for young people aged 12 to 18 to meet new people, explore nature across Luton and Bedfordshire, help protect biodiversity, learn new skills and enjoy the great outdoors.

Summary

The Wildlife Trust Luton and Bedfordshire Youth Rangers are a group of young people who want to take action for wildlife, to tackle climate change and enjoy spending time outdoors. Working outside on nature reserves and green spaces, this group are vital members of the Wildlife Trust volunteering team. They provide invaluable help in looking after our reserves and local wildlife. This activity is run by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire (BCN). 

Expect activities to include: 

Getting here

Address

The Youth Rangers meet at locations across Bedfordshire including:  

Once signed up, you'll get information for each location in advance. 

Public transport and car access

Some young people travel to the activities by themselves by bus, but often they'll be dropped off and collected by a parent or guardian at the meeting point with parking nearby. Parents or guardians will need to give permission, if young people want to travel by themselves to the activity.

Wildife Trust BCN staff will then guide the group to and from the meeting point to the location of the activity. This often includes a short walk. 

Wood carving workshop

Wood carving workshop

Watch a video about the Wildlife Trust Luton and Bedfordshire Youth Rangers

Fruit tree pruning at the Blow's Downs Paddocks orchard

Fruit tree pruning at the Blow's Downs Paddocks orchard

Who can join activities here?

Anyone aged 12 to 18 can attend and the group is gender mixed. 

Opening times

During term-time, the Youth Rangers meet one Saturday a month from 10am to 12:30pm. 

During the school holidays, sessions run on a weekday. 

Costs

Activities are free. 

Facilities

Facilities vary between locations. We'll bring hot/cold drinks for a break during the session. 

Accessibility

Most sites are out in the countryside and on uneven ground. Please contact us to discuss any specific access needs. 

How to sign up 

We'll need permission of a parent or guardian to enrol young people to the Youth Rangers, as this is an activity for young people. 

To register for the first time, email Matt Sutcliffe, Wildlife Trust BCN

Once you're registered, you can book each activity using the Wildlife Trust Wilder Luton events page.

About the staff

Each session is led by 2 trained Wildlife Trust BCN staff members or volunteers.  

Staff are DBS checked and receive comprehensive training in health and safety, safeguarding and First Aid. 

They are experienced in leading volunteers and outdoor work with young people.

Good to know

Freshly mulched fruit tree

Freshly mulched fruit tree

I really enjoyed pruning the fruit trees - I learnt loads.”


More about the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants

The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire (BCN) was formed in August 1994. It is one of 46 independent Wildlife Trusts in the UK. Their purpose is to bring wildlife back, to empower people to take meaningful action for nature and to create an inclusive society where nature matters.


Their vision is of a thriving natural world, with wildlife and natural habitats playing a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and everyone being inspired to get involved in nature’s recovery.


Partner role: provider of nature-based activities and education

Wilder Luton website

Still have a question?

For general questions about this activity, contact the Luton Health and Nature Partnership. 

Alternatively, email Matt Sutcliffe, education officer at the Wildlife Trust Wilder Luton Project.