The first dedicated waller for more than 15 years will begin their apprenticeship to maintain and preserve the walls at Bradgate Park.

Appointed by the Bradgate Park Trust, the dedicated waller will look after 16 miles of dry-stone wall in the iconic park.

Funded by the National Lottery Funded Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme, the apprentice waller post was created with the ambition to show recognition to the importance of traditional dry-stone walling and the unique skills needed to keep and maintain them.

The addition of the apprentice reinforces the park's commitment to maintain the value of traditional walling methods in green spaces across the county.

Around 200 volunteers currently work with the Trust to support operations on site including skilled wallers who help with repair, reconstruction, and protection.

James Dymond, Director of Bradgate Park Trust said, "It's fantastic to have the first dedicated waller for more than a decade here at Bradgate Park. They'll learn and refine skills specific to dry stone walling and complement our brilliant volunteer wallers.

"The apprenticeship scheme is two years and during that time our new waller, Leon Fairbrother, will learn and work across Charnwood Forest Geopark, not just Bradgate Park.

"As an army veteran residing in Shepshed, this is Leon's first role in more than 20 years so we're really pleased to be welcoming such a skilled and dedicated person to the role.

"We're grateful to the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme for supporting the apprenticeship that will enable Leon to gain the specialist knowledge and skill needed for dry stone walling, which is integral Leicestershire's cultural heritage and green spaces."

The Trust hopes that the establishment of the newly appointed apprenticeship role will encourage more people to undertake apprenticeship schemes and search for job roles in the countryside sector.

Nick Rushton, Chair of Bradgate Park Trust, said: "Dry stone walling is a traditional craft that spans multiple generations across the country and to be able to offer this unique apprenticeship here in Leicestershire is something we are very proud of.

 "Thanks to the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme we can shine a light on this important role that shapes local landscapes and ensure the traditional skills continue to be shared with generations to come."

People interested in finding out more about volunteering at Bradgate Park as wallers, tree planters, walk leaders or visitor guides can email [email protected].