Want to Work in Conservation? Hands-On Peatland Experience for Teens on Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor

A Unique Opportunity for Young Environmentalists

Teenagers with a passion for conservation can now apply for a hands-on work experience programme focused on peatland restoration on Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor. The South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP) is offering a five-day practical experience from 7th to 11th July 2025, giving students aged 14–18 the chance to get involved in vital environmental work.

What’s Involved?

Participants will spend the entire week out on the moorlands, learning how peatland restoration supports natural flood management, wildlife diversity, and makes landscapes more resilient to climate change. The experience will cover a range of conservation skills, including:

• Restoration planning – assessing areas for upcoming work
• Wildlife and plant monitoring – identifying and recording key species
• Historic environment surveys – exploring the moorland’s rich heritage
• Volunteer work – supporting restoration efforts with local groups
• Communications and research – helping to document and share the project’s impact

This opportunity is perfect for students keen to gain real-world conservation experience while exploring some of the region’s most remote landscapes.

Who Can Apply?

Students must be comfortable outdoors in all weather conditions, as the work involves walking across tricky terrain in remote areas. Participants will need to make their own way to Okehampton each day, where SWPP will provide transport to the sites. Waterproof clothing and wellington boots are required.

Spaces are limited, and SWPP is particularly looking for students who are passionate about the environment, eager to learn, and happy to work in the landscape.

How to Apply

To apply, students should email southwestpeatlandpartnership@gmail.com, copying in a parent or guardian, before Tuesday 8th April. Applicants should include a short introduction about themselves and why they’re keen to take part.

This hands-on experience is funded by Natural England’s Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme, alongside support from South West Water, Duchy of Cornwall, National Trust, Cornwall Council, and the Environment Agency.

With conservation becoming ever more crucial, this is a rare opportunity for young people to gain skills that could shape their future careers.

📷Plant identification training with students out on a peatland restoration site - Credit: SWPP