PRINCE’S Trust volunteers who have helped to improve the Brecon Beacons landscape have received recognition for their work in a ceremony.

The young adults, aged 18 to 24, took part in the Get into Rural Skills programme run by Prince’s Trust Cymru and the Brecon Beacons Natonal Park Authority.

The project supports young people who are not in education or employment. The youngsters worked with the BBNPA park wardens and community outreach teams, taking part in activities and workshops that gave them a flavour of what it is like to work in the national park.

The two-week partnership programme was made possible thanks to funding from the Arwain Powys Leader Programme.

Trainee supervisor Ella Parkinson and sustainable communities officer Ceri Bevan led the programme with Prince’s Trust Cymru outreach executive Fran Richley, taking the volunteers to a range of locations such as Waterfall Country, Craig y Nos Country Park and areas of the Geopark. Activities included making benches, repairing and making wicker fences and grounds maintenance.

Harri Davies, aged 22, from Craig y Nos says he has a completely different perspective on landscape management after completing the course.

“The next time that I’m walking across a connecting walk board bound with wire, I’ll know how and why it was made,” he said. “I really appreciate the architecture of the landscape now and understand far more about different habitats and wildlife. And when I visit Craig y Nos Country Park and sit on one of the benches outside the coffee shop, I can be proud of the fact I made these benches.”

Fran Richley said he has been working with the young people and the Rural Skills programme from the outset. He said. “I am so proud of this group and every young person who has risen to the various challenges the programme has presented. One thing’s for sure, seeing the young people at the beginning of each programme and comparing that with the young people I see at the end, is one of my favourite moments. They grow in so many ways through the elements of the course.”

Cllr Karen Laurie-Parry, representing the National Park Authority and Powys council, met the group at the National Park Visitor Centre to hear about their experiences. She said: “Projects such as this help us connect with the young people who are not in education or employment. Practical, hands-on activities show them how working in a rural environment can enrich the mind, keep you fit and active and provide a job that can help them build positive futures.”