THE National Trust hopes to help shape the future of Cumbrian farming with the appointment of its new apprentice.

Amy Wood is the first level-3 farm apprenticeship to be taken on by the National Trust in Windermere, as the organisation looks to further support the future of farming in the region by offering opportunities to new entrants.

Amy commenced work in September and will spend three days a week working with the rare breed Albion cattle on High Lickbarrow farm in Windermere, hosted by the tenant farmer at nearby Causeway Farm.

She will also spend one day at Kendal College and one day with the National Trust’s ranger team.

The apprenticeship will run for 22 months and is being funded by the Apprenticeship Levy and a National Trust donation.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the National Trust to develop my skills further,” said Amy, from Kendal.

Apart from some time away at university, Amy has spent her whole life working in agriculture, including most recently a full-time job on Causeway Farm while also helping a neighbouring farmer lamb 1,200 ewes.

She studied her GCSEs at The Lakes School and her A-level equivalent at Kendal College and is currently chair of the Crook Young Farmers Club.

John Pring, countryside manager for the National Trust, said: “We were very impressed with Amy, and it was immediately obvious that she has a passion for farming having taken every opportunity to increase her knowledge.

“As an organisation we remain committed to supporting our 90 tenanted farms in the Lakes, with one of our strategic objectives being to work much closer with the farming community. This appointment is just one example of how we are encouraging new entrants into a career in agriculture, and by working together shaping the future of farming.

“Once she has completed her apprenticeship, there are numerous careers paths open to Amy, including becoming a tenant farmer, a farm manager, ranger or livestock manager. I am very much looking forward to helping her develop and will follow her progress with interest.”

Outside of farming Amy is a keen sportswoman and prior to the pandemic coached athletics at Kendal Amateur Athletics Club, covering the foundations of running, jumping and throwing.

She is also a qualified England athletics assistant coach and used to compete regularly at a high level in track and field before succumbing to injury.