Guest Article – Groundwork North Wales
Made possible by funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Groundwork North Wales are excited to announce the launch of a new Community Guiding Training course. Ten fully funded places are now available for individuals aged 16 and over who live locally and have an interest in exploring the outdoors, learning about green spaces, or discovering the region’s industrial heritage.
This entry-level training, delivered by Wales Best Guides, offers an engaging introduction to the art of tour guiding, following globally recognised best practices while highlighting unique stories, landscapes and people of North Wales. Participants will develop public speaking skills and build confidence, all while uncovering how nature has reclaimed sites of industrial heritage across the region.
Ruth Armstrong, Senior Community Engagement Coordinator, said:
“We are really excited about this training opportunity, and hope that it will help local people re-discover a love for the Clywedog Valley in a new and interesting way.”
Throughout the course, attendees will observe a professional guided tour, collaborate in groups to research and explore local history, and practice delivering a guided segment in a friendly, supportive setting. There are no formal assessments, but participants may choose to complete a personal audit and action plan, which will be reviewed with their trainer.
The training takes place at Minera Lead Mines over four weekly sessions, each lasting 5 hours from 9:30am – 2:30pm on the following Thursdays: 26th June, 3rd July, 10th July and 17th July. Upon completion of, participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance from WOTGA.
This course also serves as a steppingstone toward professional guiding qualifications. Graduates may go on to pursue accredited Level 1 and 2 White Badge courses, level 3 Green badge training for regional guiding, or even Level 4 blue badge ‘dragon’ qualification, which covers all of Wales. These advanced programs can lead to freelance opportunities and income as a qualified WOTGA guide.
To learn more or register, please contact ruth.armstrong@groundworknorthwales.org.uk.
