In the wake of the significant storm damage Cornwall has recently experienced, investigating common woodland management techniques was the priority for our first Young Rangers session of 2026.
Our award-winning Young Rangers ‘Climate Action Youth Group’ offers the chance for those aged 12 – 18 to take action over the climate crisis, assist with environmental work on historic natural landscapes and develop skills in countryside management. All sessions take place on weekdays in school half terms and holidays.
The session was led by James, one of our Countryside Rangers, and Caroline, our Education and Outreach Manager.
Heading to Tony’s Woods at Sancreed Beacon near Penzance, the team examined the effects of recent storms and learnt about how Cornwall Heritage Trust’s Rangers have been dealing with the damage.
Their focus then moved to an area of willow being coppiced this winter. James led the Young Rangers through the history of coppicing, as well as the huge benefits it has for modern land management and conservation by changing the age structure of woodland and helping create a wide variety of habitats to support biodiversity.
It was then time for our Young Rangers to have a go. With expert guidance from our team, they learnt to use loppers and saws to safely cut down larger limbs from the willow trees, before building a dead hedge with the brash.
Our Young Rangers ‘Climate Action Youth Group’ is currently part-funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and holidaycottages.co.uk.
Would your child like to take part?
Upcoming sessions will take place on Thursday 16th April, Thursday 28th May, Thursday 30th July, Thursday 13th August, Thursday 27th August and Thursday 29th October. We expect participants to be available for at least five sessions.
