DARTMOOR’S Junior and Youth Rangers celebrated the end of a busy year, braving the wind and rain to celebrate their successes and plant a few more trees at the same time. 

At the end of year celebration, the youth rangers managed to plant a whopping 425 trees and mulched a further 1,325 trees. 

The big day of conservation was proceeded by the handing out of certificates and, naturally, some large slices of cake. 

Throughout the year, the Junior and Youth Rangers saw 100 people get involved with 38 sessions over the year, giving a massive 3,509 hours of volunteer work to help keep Dartmoor as it should be.

58 John Muir Awards were also achieved.

‘We’ve just come to the end of our funding through the Green Recovery Fund but are delighted to announce that through the generous support of the Dartmoor Preservation Association we are able to keep this great project running. ‘We are all aware of the different demands modern life places on young people, the Junior and Youth Rangers has enabled these young people to make deeper connections with nature and help conserve the beauty of Dartmoor. 

‘It has given them new skills and greater confidence, they have developed friendships and given something back to the moor.’

A spokesperson for the rangers also gave thanks to Dartmoor Rangers, South West Lakes, National Trust, The Woodland Trust, John Muir Trust, Dartmoor Preservation Association, ParkLife SW, Shallowford Farm, Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, Moor Trees, Natural England, Forestry England, Langaford Farm, North Bovey Volunteer Group, Sticklepath Okehampton and Chagford Volunteer group (StOC), Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group.