Nature Recovery & Farming Apprenticeships in Cumbria – Applications now open

June 2025

Apprenticeships Open – Help Shape the Future of Nature in Cumbria

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Are you passionate about the outdoors, wildlife or farming?  Want to turn that passion into a career? Cumbria Connect is now recruiting three paid apprenticeships in nature recovery, nature-friendly farming and land management – right here in the Lake District.  

Our current Cumbria Connect apprentices are approaching the final stages of their 18-month journey—and what a journey it’s been.

From livestock handling to habitat restoration, these three early-career professionals have spent the past year and a half learning how to work with the land—not against it. As they begin to look toward their next steps, we’re now opening applications for the next group of apprentices who want to follow in their muddy bootprints.

This is your chance to gain hands-on experience in nature recovery, nature-friendly farming and land management—while learning from some of the UK’s most forward-thinking environmental teams.

“This programme is all about building skills and opening doors.  Our current apprentices have made a real impact, and we’re proud to support the next generation as they work towards careers that benefit both people and nature.”

Bill Kenmir, Conservation Manager at Cumbria Connect.

What will you do?

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As a Cumbria Connect apprentice, you’ll:

  • Work outdoors across Wild Haweswater (RSPB), Lowther estate and Low Beckside Farm (Ernest Cook Trust).
  • Support practical land management and nature recovery work.
  • Learn essential land-based skills like livestock care, fencing and walling, machinery use (tractors, ATVs) and habitat restoration.
  • Participate in public events, volunteer days and team projects.
  • Receive formal training through a partner college (20% off-the-job learning)
  • Be part of a national movement to restore nature at landscape scale

This is a full-time (37.5hrs per week), 18-month paid apprenticeship with a strong focus on practical learning and development.

Who It’s For

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We welcome applicants who are:

  • Passionate about the outdoors, farming and nature
  • Practical, hands-on learners
  • Ready to commit to a full-time (37.5 hrs/week) 18-month placement
  • Able to travel daily to rural sites (a UK driving licence is essential)

 

Still have questions?

If you’d like further information or have any questions, please complete the form below and one of our team will be happy to help.

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