A new resource for those looking for training and career opportunities in the rural and environment sector has been launched.
The Land + Nature Skills Service was officially launched at an event held at Westmorland County Show earlier this month.
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale spoke at the event advocating the need for the service alongside Juile Mennall, vice chancellor of University of Cumbria and Mark Johnston, managing director of H&H Land & Estates, part of the H&H Group, who considered the benefits of the service to the sector.
Research carried out by the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission over the last three years has confirmed the need for the service and set out a blueprint for delivery.
The service is funded by the Esme Fairbairn Foundation and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscape Programme (FiPL) via the North Pennines and Arnside & Silverdale National Landscapes and the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Park Authorities, together with grants from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, Westmorland & Furness Council, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, University of Cumbria, and Ernest Cook Trust.
LANSS sponsored the Learning for Life Marquee at the show which showcased the work of local schools.
LANSS will work with schools, careers leads and further education establishments across the county to highlight career opportunities in the Land + Nature sector and available training provision.
A team of three will run the service from their base at the University of Cumbria campus in Ambleside.
Tracey Jackson, manager of the service said: “It is great to get to this milestone, so much work has gone into brining the service into reality.
“It is testament to the collaboration of organisations across the County. The Service is a unique partnership with the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, University of Cumbria, The Farmer Network, and Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
“The team looks forward to promoting the service and working with education providers and employers to raise awareness of the vast training and career pathways available right here in Cumbria.
“Our website serves as a platform to search for courses, training opportunities, volunteering and events, specifically in the land and nature sector for Cumbria, this has not been readily available in one easy to reference platform until now.”
To find out more, visit www.lanss.uk
