The volunteers are currently working towards an NVQ Level 2 in Environmental Conservation, gaining a qualification as part of their volunteering experience.

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The Centre offers volunteers the chance to work towards an NVQ, giving them the opportunity to gain accreditation for the broad range of activities they take part in, ranging from working with children to wildlife surveying, health and safety to habitat management.

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For many of the volunteers it marks a change in direction and the chance to follow a new career path.

There is currently an exciting opportunity for anyone aged 16-25 to apply for a six-month volunteering experience at the Centre including the NVQ, with travel and living expenses of up to £75 per week covered, thanks to support from v and National Grid.

"Volunteering at Skelton has given me the opportunity to get involved in many different things, from teaching children to organising events", said volunteer and NVQ student Hannah Mason. "Having the opportunity to gain a qualification in conservation has opened up my career aspirations and started me on a journey to a greener place!"

Skelton Grange Environment Centre is an innovative environmental education project in South Leeds, which is a partnership between BTCV and National Grid with support from Leeds City Council.

It offers a range of fun, hands-on environmental education activities for schoolchildren which aim to encourage an interest in the natural world.