The challenges of finding your career footing in sectors including the conservation sector are well-documented. In May 2026, news reports revealed that official figures show more than one million young people are not in education, employment or training – and that this is the highest level in more than 12 years.
Many young people want to work – to develop their skills, experience, and confidence – and many industries, including the conservation and environment sector need ‘young blood’ to keep moving up through the ranks in order to keep our essential work moving in the right direction. There are many contributing factors to the current situation, and no silver bullet to fix things.
With all that in mind, the CNL team is pleased to announce the first of two new paid work placements for this summer. We have up to eight places available on this first week, and our hope is that the successful applicants will gain valuable experience and skills – many of which will be transferable into their chosen careers.
Essential details
Date: Monday 29 June – Friday 3 July 2026
Hours: 10am – 4pm
Pay: £13.45 per hour, plus subsidised travel, and subsidised outdoor work-wear
Location: Stroud
What you’ll be doing: woodland management including building a dead hedge, footpath maintenance, copse restoration, fencing, and invasive species control.
Who we are looking for: enthusiastic, hardworking young people who love the outdoors and who are seeking paid experience in the environmental sector.
Who we are: the Cotswolds National Landscape is one of the largest protected landscapes in England. We are tasked with conserving the landscape and its natural beauty, which includes flower-rich grasslands and ancient beechwoods. We also help people to access the countryside and enjoy the physical, mental and emotional benefits from being outside.
Who can apply: applications are open to anyone aged 18-25 who is looking to gain work experience. As the work is based outdoors on a steep site and is physically demanding, applicants should have a proficient level of fitness and mobility. No prior experience required.
How you will benefit: you will gain a range of green skills including safe tool use, plant identification, and basic construction and fencing techniques. Additionally, you will gain and use transferable skills including teamwork, communication, time-management, leadership, and self-reliance.
How to apply:
Please contact rebecca.foster@cotswolds-nl.org.uk to request an application form.
Apply soon! We have up to eight places available. We will review applications as we receive them and close the call when we have allocated all the places.