Eleri Turner

The Carneddau Landscape Partnership Scheme gave me an excellent opportunity to start a career in the conservation sector. I started my apprenticeship in July 2021, where I worked hand in hand with Eryri National Park and the National Trust, and did a college course with Coleg Cambria.

I grew up in Bethesda, and it is where my family’s history originates, so it is special for me to learn more about the heritage of the Carneddau and to be able to make a difference to the future of the Carneddau both in terms of nature and the local community.

By working with the Park I received forestry training e.g. scything, strimming, brushcutter, chipping wood and chainsaw, and much more including Lowland Leader Qualification. I was working for the Park on two tree nurseries, clearing vegetation, felling trees, planting trees and hedges. I had the opportunity to dig for neolithic axes above Llanfairfechan and help out on days where local school groups took part. I was able to use my Forest School training (I previously to my apprenticeship) to run sessions in local woods in Bethesda and teach children about nature and trees native to the Carneddau, as well as speaking on Radio Cymru, and being on S4C and Countryfile.

Working with the national Trust I had the opportunity to work with volunteers clearing vegetation, planting trees and collecting seeds. Working with Ogwen’s Ranger team I learned many useful skills for example how to wall and cement and the correct use of tools and use machines in a safe way. I also helped set up a tree nursery for the Trust.

The opportunity to be out on top of the Carneddau looking for locations that need peat restoration or areas to plant trees, to taking part in gathering the Ponies and Chough surveys is incredible.

At the end of my apprenticeship this July I received an offer to join the Snowdonia National Park forestry team and do another college course in the department. And then came an opportunity with the National Trust to work as a Ranger on the Carneddau and still as part of a scheme. So I went for it and have been able to continue working on projects I started during my apprenticeship as part of the Carneddau landscape scheme.