A new scheme will help apprentices get “on the job” experience in conservation and extensive grazing, thanks to the Lottery’s Skills for the Future Programme.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £260,121 to the Grazing Advice Partnership (GAP) to set up and run a national three-year conservation apprenticeship scheme.

The Heritage Grazing Project, will offer six and 12-month placements with leading traditional livestock farms and grazing schemes.

Placement hosts will offer a mix of work experience and instruction in practical skills associated with grazing and conservation. All training placements will receive a bursary to meet their living expenses, ongoing mentoring support and will attend a GAP training course as part of their induction.

The future of much of Britain’s cherished wildlife, landscape and cultural assets is dependent on the availability of traditional livestock management skills, which are currently under threat, explains Tom Cairns, GAP development manager.

The Heritage Grazing Project will be aimed at young adults and placements will be arranged across the country. The progress of the project will be closely monitored so good practice can be recorded and made available to as wide an audience as possible.