This year’s cohort of Wild Paths trainees enjoyed their first residential training course at the Kingcombe Centre. The ten trainees are jointly hosted by Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Avon Wildlife Trusts on the scheme which gives people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and practical conservation skills and qualifications.

The three-day course explored volunteer management, first aid and mental health awareness as well as providing two fantastic practical wildlife sessions on moth trapping and bat detector use, and of course, guided walks around the beautiful Kingcombe NNR. The trainees are now on their placements with their respective Trusts engaged in practical conservation tasks and working on their qualifications, independent e-learning and modules of their AQA Unit Award scheme. The next residential session in December will focus on woodland management and hedge laying and will be hosted by the Devon Wildlife Trust. Our thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support of this project.